Bill > S884

This bill establishes new administrative procedures for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) to improve the process of firearm transfer and registration applications. Specifically, when an application for firearm transfer is denied, the bill requires the ATF to provide the applicant with the NICS (National Instant Criminal Background Check System) transaction number, allow the applicant to appeal the denial through a process similar to existing federal regulations, and permit the applicant to submit additional information to prevent future erroneous denials. If an appeal is successful, the ATF must reimburse the applicant's reasonable attorney fees. The bill also mandates that if the ATF does not make a determination on a firearm transfer application within three business days, the application is automatically deemed approved. In cases where a transfer is later found to be improper, the bill provides a safe harbor allowing the transferee to return the firearm within 14 days without criminal liability. Additionally, the bill requires reports to Congress about unresolved background checks and mandates that the ATF and FBI create a memorandum of understanding regarding the administration of NICS inquiries, with the goal of improving transparency and efficiency in the firearm transfer process.

Justice

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/884/all-info