stop-hate-and-violence

What to Know About Gun Laws With a Biden Administration

stop-hate-and-violence

With a Biden administration starting in 2021, guns, gun rights, and gun safety/control are hot topics of discussion and debate. Gun rights advocates are concerned about actions the new president will take against gun ownership. Gun control activists are optimistic that the new administration will curb the epidemic of gun violence in the United States.

Regardless of your stance, here’s an idea of what you can expect with gun policy once the Biden administration takes office.

Biden’s Gun Policy Track Record

Biden has long advocated for increased gun safety and control. For some reference, he has been critical of the National Rifle Association (NRA) and voted for The Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act (1993) and the 1994 Assault Weapons Ban. Additionally, he opposed the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (2005), which he wants to repeal.

President Biden’s Gun Safety/Control Proposals

According to Biden’s website, here are some of the proposals in Biden’s plan during his term as president:

Manufacturing of Firearms

In this new administration, Biden would repeal the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (2005) that prevents civil lawsuits against firearms manufacturers. According to Gun Owners of American (GOA), this act would hold gun manufacturers liable for the actions of criminals. This change means that gun manufacturers may face penalties for the acts of criminals who use their products.

Assault Weapons

The Biden administration also has strong stances on assault weapons. Some of the proposed changes will affect those looking to purchase an assault weapon, as well as those who already own one. According to Biden’s website, he plans to:

  • Enact a law like the 1994 Assault Weapons Ban (now expired).
  • Use executive authority to ban the importing of assault weapons.
  • Regulate existing assault weapons under the National Firearms Act (NFA).

GOA calls these proposed regulations “Federal Gun Bans and Magazine Bans,” which would include a $200 tax on each firearm and magazine. Americans will not be allowed to import semi-automatic rifles or buy or manufacture new assault weapons or magazines. They will also be required to register your already-owned assault weapons with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).

This is likely the  most impacting refrom that would impact The Range 702 where we offer extreme shooting experiences with such firearms.

Enact a Buyback or Registration Program

GOA refers to this proposal as “mandatory gun confiscation.” Under this new policy, if you own assault weapons or high-capacity magazines, you will have a choice to either sell them to the government or register them under the NFA.

Limit the Number of Guns an Individual May Purchase

At the federal level, this proposal will ban the purchase of more than one firearm per month. Buyers will be limited to one gun purchase per person within that time period.

Enact Universal Background Checks

Biden will present legislation to require a universal background check for the purchase of all guns, including private sales. However, there would be limited exceptions for gifts between close family members.

universal background check

State Incentives

The Biden administration plans to incentivize states to enact Extreme Risk Laws and gun licensing by providing federal grants to implement the process. Under Extreme Risk Laws (also called “red flag laws”), family members or law enforcement officials can temporarily remove access to firearms if people pose a danger to themselves or others.

In addition, state and local governments will receive federal grants to fund state-issued gun licensing systems.

Social Security Administration Records

The Biden administration also plans to reinstate an Obama policy, which requires the Social Security Administration to provide information to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) about individuals prohibited from owning firearms because they, for mental reasons, cannot manage their affairs. President Trump overturned this policy shortly after taking office.

Guns and Misdemeanor Hate Crimes

New policies will prohibit gun purchases to individuals convicted of misdemeanor hate crimes or receiving enhanced sentences for misdemeanors committed with hatred or bias. This means misdemeanors, not only felonies, can result in not being able to purchase a firearm.

standing together to stop hate and violence

Enact the Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2019

Enacting the Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2019 increases the government’s deadline to complete a background check from three days to ten days. This act will eliminate the FBI’s three-business day deadline to complete a NICS check and create a potential ten-day waiting period for firearm purchases.

Ban Online Sales of Firearms and Ammunition

Biden legislation will ban the sale of guns, rounds, and gun parts online. Current laws require that online gun purchases be shipped to an FFL (Federal Firearm License) dealer. You can receive gun parts and ammunition at home without an FFL. Under a new law, you will not be allowed to buy ammunition or gun parts online.

Require That Gun Owners Safely Store Their Firearms

Biden’s web page does not list details about the storage rules, but it states his intention to require the safe storage of firearms.

a close up of a gun safe with lock

Penalize Adults Who Allow Minors Access to Guns

According to the GOA, this legislation will prosecute gun owners for teaching minors to shoot, hunt with a gun, or handle a firearm. You would not be permitted to allow your minor child to use a firearm. Penalties will apply if an adult gives access, whether the minor gains possession of a gun or not.

Ban 3D Printing of Firearms

GOA explains that this will also ban the sharing of 3D printed gun files online. You will not have access to the code for printing 3D firearms because the State Department will continue to block it.

Fund and Empower the Justice Department to Enforce Gun Laws

Biden plans to restructure and fund the Justice Department (ATF and related agencies) to enforce existing gun laws, inspect gun dealers more frequently and repeal riders that interfere with that work.

Gun Safety and Control

The above list is not complete. There are several more gun safety/control proposals on Biden’s web page. Both gun control advocates and gun rights activists are right to expect President Biden will make changes during his time in the White House. Whichever perspective you take on the subject, Biden’s proposals are in keeping with his past support for gun safety and control policies and will be a priority for this administration.

Similar Posts