U.S. Rep. Patrick Meehan (R-PA) on Wednesday reintroduced his bipartisan legislation to alert state and local officials to gun purchases by criminals.
“Our background check system is among our most important tools in the fight against gun crime,” said Meehan. The National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) Denial Notification Act of 2017 would establish a system to alert state and local law enforcement authorities and prosecutors when criminals attempt to buy a gun.
The Brady Act prohibits felons, domestic abusers, and the mentally ill from buying a gun by mandating background checks for all gun sales at licensed firearm dealers.
According to Meehan’s office, when a prohibited person attempts a firearm purchase they are violating federal and state law, but these “lie-and-try” crimes are only rarely prosecuted at the federal level. In 2013, failed background checks in Pennsylvania led to 620 investigations, 346 arrests and more than 200 convictions, according to Meehan’s office.
“When a felon or otherwise-prohibited person is trying to obtain a gun, that’s something law enforcement should be aware of – it may be an indication of plans for a future crime,” Meehan added. “This is a common-sense step we can take to help our law enforcement personnel prevent gun crimes before they happen.”
Rep. Mike Quigley (D-IL) joined Meehan in introducing H.R. 4471. Quigley said, “By strengthening partnerships between federal, state, and local law enforcement, we can create an additional layer of protection to ensure weapons stay out of the hands of the wrong people – from felons and domestic abusers to the mentally ill.”
“Decreasing gun violence and increasing public safety transcends party lines, and this practical piece of legislation will benefit every district in our shared efforts to enforce current gun laws and save lives,” Quigley added.
Law enforcement and gun safety organizations praised Meehan for his dedication on fighting gun violence.
Fraternal Order of Police National President Chuck Canterbury said, “Our nation’s firearms laws are designed to keep firearms out of the hands of criminals and every year, thousands of firearms sales are blocked because the attempted purchaser failed a background check run by NICS. This legislation will give the critical information state and local agencies need to work and develop cases against these individuals, many of whom may be dangerous felons or domestic abusers.”
John Feinblatt, president of Everytown for Gun Safety, said, “We applaud Representatives Quigley and Meehan for working in a bipartisan way on legislation that will protect public safety and save lives.”