Bills · HR 18
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 18Crime and Law Enforcement
Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2025
INTRO JUN 10· LAST ACTION JUN 10
READING
7MIN
COSPONSORS
214
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters to voters because it aims to significantly expand the number of gun transactions subject to a background check nationwide. If it becomes law, it could make it harder for individuals legally prohibited from owning firearms—such as convicted felons or those with certain violent misdemeanor convictions—to acquire guns through private sales that currently may not involve a background check. Supporters believe this change would enhance public safety by keeping guns out of the hands of dangerous individuals.
For many gun owners, this bill could introduce new logistical steps and potential costs when privately selling, lending, or gifting firearms, even if they are law-abiding citizens. If the bill does not become law, the current federal system would remain, where background checks are not required for private gun sales, leaving regulation of such transactions up to individual states. This legislation seeks to create a more uniform federal standard for nearly all firearm transfers.
KEY PROVISIONS
4AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Requires all private firearm sales or transfers between unlicensed individuals to go through a licensed gun dealer who must conduct a background check.
This provision aims to close the 'private sale loophole' in federal law, making nearly all gun transfers subject to a background check.
PROVISION 02
Exempts certain transfers, such as direct gifts or loans of firearms between specific close family members (spouses, parents/children, siblings, etc.), if the giver believes the recipient is legally allowed to own a gun and will not use it for a crime.
This ensures that common family transactions can occur without involving a third-party dealer, while still including a safety consideration by the transferor.
PROVISION 03
Allows temporary transfers for specific activities, including hunting, target shooting at a designated range, or immediate self-defense in an emergency, without a background check.
This preserves the ability for responsible gun owners to lend firearms for recreational or urgent safety situations without requiring a dealer's involvement.
PROVISION 04
Excludes transfers to law enforcement officers, armed private security professionals, or military members acting in their official duties, as well as transfers to estate representatives upon a person's death.
These exemptions prevent unnecessary complications for official duties and established legal processes related to property inheritance.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 214
D· California
YRS IN OFFICE
27
BILLS LED
27
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 2%
DEM 212 REP 2 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSJUN 10
Introduced in House
JUN 10
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 18
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedJun 10, 2025
Last actionJun 10, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · JUDICIARY COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED JUN 10, 2025
House BillHR 18Crime and Law Enforcement
Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2025
INTRODUCED JUN 10, 2025· LAST ACTION JUN 10, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
7 min
COSPONSORS
214
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
