The Biden administration announces new regulations aimed at closing the “gun show loophole” by requiring unlicensed gun sellers, particularly those operating at gun shows and online marketplaces, to register with the federal government. This significant change comes after decades of gaps in gun sale enforcement that have allowed firearms to be sold without background checks, leaving a potential risk for illegal trafficking. Attorney General Merrick Garland emphasizes that under these regulations, all sellers who predominantly earn a profit must conduct mandatory background checks, regardless of the sales venue.
These new rules redefine who is considered “engaged in the business” of selling firearms, targeting those who repeatedly sell guns and those selling new or “like-new” firearms. Notably, between 2017 and 2021, over 68,000 illegally trafficked firearms were traced back to unlicensed dealers, highlighting the urgency of these measures. Exemptions include occasional sales by individuals enhancing personal collections, but critics, including members of Congress and gun rights advocates, argue these regulations may infringe on the rights of law-abiding citizens.
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