On Thursday, the White House announced plans to expand background checks to close the so-called “gun show loophole”.
The new rules require background screenings before anyone can buy guns online or in person at gun shows.
The Biden Administration is using the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act as a vehicle to expand the definition of a licensed firearms dealer.
The Justice Department estimates some previously 20,000 unlicensed firearms dealers will now be required to complete background checks. Those who sell online and at gun shows don't always have to do this, hence the phrase "gun show loophole." The rule says anyone who sells weapons to "predominantly earn a profit" qualifies. Buying online ads and using credit card systems can be indicators of a dealer who needs a license.
“The rule says that regardless of where you are selling firearms, if you're selling firearms and a mortar store, you're selling firearms at a gun show is selling them online flea market trunk your car. If you are commercially selling firearms, you need to become a licensed dealer and run background checks," National Gun Violence Prevention Office Director Stefanie Feldman said.
Texas Sen. John Cornyn, who spearheaded the bipartisan Safer Communities Act, is planning a joint resolution of disapproval on this new rule. He says it goes against the intent of the act and believes it places undue hardship on hobbyists and friends who sell to friends and calls it unconstitutional.
The White House says there are some 80,000 licensed dealers currently required to do background checks. This new expanded rule will take place a month after it's published in the Federal Registry, but there is no clear timeline for that.