Bills · HR 3868
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 3868Crime and Law Enforcement
Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2025
INTRO JUN 10· LAST ACTION JUN 10
READING
9MIN
COSPONSORS
135
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 because it changes a key mechanism in federal gun law that allows firearms to be transferred before a background check is fully completed. If this bill becomes law, it would significantly reduce the number of instances where a firearm is transferred to a buyer whose background check is still pending or incomplete. Supporters believe this change would prevent firearms from falling into the hands of individuals legally prohibited from owning them, potentially reducing gun violence.
If the bill does not become law, the current "3-day rule" would remain in place, allowing licensed gun dealers to complete a sale after 3 business days if the background check system has not issued a definitive response. This bill directly addresses concerns about the current system's potential to allow prohibited individuals to acquire firearms when their background checks are delayed.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Extends the waiting period for background checks from 3 to 10 business days before a firearm can be transferred if the check is not immediately completed.
This provision gives federal authorities more time to complete a background check before a gun sale can proceed, aiming to prevent transfers to prohibited persons.
PROVISION 02
Requires a potential firearm buyer to submit a formal "petition for review" if their background check is still pending after 10 business days, followed by an additional 10-business-day waiting period.
This establishes a new, lengthier, and more formal process for delayed background checks, eliminating the automatic 'default to proceed' after the initial waiting period.
PROVISION 03
Directs the Attorney General to prescribe the form for these petitions, make it available, and respond on an expedited basis.
This creates the administrative framework necessary for the new petition process to function.
PROVISION 04
Limits the validity of a 'proceed' notification from the background check system to approximately 25-30 calendar days.
This ensures that if a buyer does not pick up a firearm promptly after approval, a new background check may be required for a later transfer.
PROVISION 05
Requires the Government Accountability Office (GAO) and the FBI to submit regular reports on the implementation and effectiveness of the new background check procedures.
These reports will provide public data and analysis on how the new system is working, including delays, denials, and the impact of the petition process.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 135
D· South Carolina
YRS IN OFFICE
33
BILLS LED
3
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 0%
DEM 135 REP 0 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 3868
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 3868Crime and Law Enforcement
Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2025
INTRODUCED JUN 10, 2025· LAST ACTION JUN 10, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
9 min
COSPONSORS
135
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
