U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley (D-IL) is commending President Joe Biden’s signing of legislation introduced to bolster gun violence prevention efforts.
The NICS Denial Notification Act was signed into law by Biden under the FY22 Omnibus package. It requires federal authorities to alert state and local law enforcement within 24 hours once an ineligible individual lies on a background check and tries to purchase a firearm.
Quigley introduced the bill last year with U.S. Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Eric Swalwell (D-CA), and Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL).
“If we have the power to stop a firearm from getting into the wrong hands, we must take it,” Quigley said. “This bipartisan, common-sense legislation is a critical step to improving our approach to violence prevention and will save countless lives. I’m confident this law will serve as a vital tool to facilitate effective communication among law enforcement and, ultimately, keep our streets safe. By signing this bill, the President is making good on his commitment to end the gun violence epidemic and help Americans feel safer in their communities.”
The legislation requires federal authorities to alert state law enforcement of background checks denials, enabling state authorities to decide whether to investigate, prosecute, and/or keep an eye on these denied individuals for signs of future criminal activity.
Additionally, the measure requires the Department of Justice to publish an annual report regarding background check denial case prosecutions as a means of Congress and voters holding federal officials accountable.