A bipartisan group of senators introduced legislation Monday that would notify state police every time someone is denied a firearm purchase.
Sens. Pat Toomey, R-Pa.; Marco Rubio, R-Fla.; Bill Nelson, D-Fla.; and Chris Coons, D-Del.; say the “NICS Denial Notification Act” will alert state law enforcement about people who “lie and try” to buy guns, which the senators said “can be a warning sign of criminal behavior.”
Senate Majority Whip John Cornyn, R-Texas, is also a cosponsor.
The National Instant Criminal Background Check System, or NICS, is used by gun store owners to screen people who want to purchase firearms. The system notifies federal authorities when someone is denied a gun purchase, but few people are prosecuted if they have attempted to buy a gun illegally.
The bill proposed Monday would require federal authorities to notify state police within 24 hours if it is determined a person lied in an attempt to buy a gun.
“We can make progress on gun safety while respecting the Second Amendment rights of American citizens, including better enforcing existing gun laws and responding to warning signs that we get of criminal behavior,” Toomey said. “This bipartisan bill is a critical step forward in helping to ensure that our communities can be safe from criminals.”
Senate lawmakers have reached an impasse on gun control legislation. Democrats are seeking an expansion of background checks and a ban on assault-style weapons, but Republicans say they are only willing to take up legislation that would close gaps in the existing background check system.
