A proposed rule from the Biden administration aimed at combating rising gun violence across the U.S. could require thousands more firearms dealers to run background checks if approved.
Last year, Biden signed the most significant gun control bill in nearly 30 years, which incentivized states to pass red flag laws and expand background checks for 18- to 21-year-olds.
The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which was created to prevent mass shootings in the U.S., was passed through the House with a 234-193 vote, with 14 Republicans crossing party lines. The bill was then sent to Biden’s desk to be signed.
On March 14, Biden issued an executive order directing Attorney General Merrick Garland to develop and implement a plan clarifying the definition of who is engaged in the business of dealing firearms, requiring them to obtain a federal firearms license.
As a result, the proposed rule from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) would require those who sell firearms online or at gun shows to be licensed and run background checks on buyers before completing the transaction.
The Associated Press reported that the bureau estimates the rule would affect between 24,500 and 328,000 sellers and targets those in the business of selling guns, not with personal gun collections.