In Senate Committee·Last action 152 days ago

S.3214 would require background checks for most private gun transfers

Officially: Background Check Expansion Act

Most private gun sales and transfers would have to go through a licensed dealer and a federal background check. The bill keeps several narrow exceptions, adds notice rules for dealers, and starts 180 days after enactment.

Where it stands

Sitting in the Judiciary

No vote scheduled. Constituent contact is what moves bills out of committee.

What this bill actually does

Most gun transfers between private people would have to be handled through a federally licensed importer, manufacturer, or gun dealer.
That licensed business would have to follow the same federal transfer rules it already uses, including the standard background check on the person getting the gun.
If the transfer does not happen, sending the gun back from the dealer to its original owner would not count as a separate transfer under federal law.

↓ Why your message matters here

This bill is sitting in committee with no scheduled vote — which means a small number of constituent messages can decide whether it moves forward or quietly dies.

The debate

What people are saying about this bill

✓Arguments in support

Prevents firearms from reaching prohibited persons: Ensures background checks block sales to felons, domestic abusers, and mentally ill individuals.
Reduces gun violence and mass shootings: States with universal background checks have seen lower firearm homicide rates.
Saves lives without infringing core rights: Exemptions protect family transfers and self-defense needs.

✕Arguments against

Infringes Second Amendment rights: Critics argue it criminalizes common private transfers.
Creates de facto registry: Concerns about privacy and potential government tracking.
Burden on law-abiding citizens: Fees, delays, and travel required for private sales.

Where this bill is in the process

Legislative timeline

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Introduced

Introduced in Senate

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Senate Committee

Under Senate committee consideration

Latest: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (11/19/2025)

NOV 19

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Senate Floor Vote

Voted on by Senate

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Passed Senate

Approved by Senate

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House Review

Sent to House for consideration

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Passed Both Chambers

Approved by both House and Senate

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Signed into Law

Signed by the President

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S.3214 would require background checks for most private gun transfers

What people are saying about this bill

Legislative timeline

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