Guns
Background checks, red flag laws, and firearm regulation.
Firearm law is layered. Federal law sets a baseline for dealers and prohibited purchasers; states add or subtract from there, which is why requirements differ sharply across state lines.
Who decides this
- Congress
- The background check system, licensed dealer rules, prohibited purchaser categories, and federal firearm classifications.
- Your state
- Private sale checks, permits to purchase or carry, red flag laws, waiting periods, and assault weapon rules.
- Your city or county
- Local ordinances where state preemption allows them, which in many states is very little.
In Congress Senate Judiciary · House Judiciary
4 open questions
S. 889
Should Congress Fund State "Red Flag" Laws to Temporarily Remove Guns From At-Risk People?
The bill would fund extreme-risk protection order laws. Supporters cite suicide and violence prevention; opponents cite due-process concerns. Where do you land?
H.R. 18
Should Congress Require Background Checks on Nearly All Gun Sales?
The bill would extend background checks to most private firearm transfers. Supporters cite closing loopholes; opponents cite burdens on lawful owners. Where do you land?
H.R. 38
Should a Concealed-Carry Permit From One State Be Valid in All States?
The bill would make a concealed-carry permit valid nationwide. Supporters cite consistency for gun owners; opponents say it undermines stricter state laws. Where do you land?
H.R. 3115
Should Congress Ban the Sale of Semiautomatic Assault Weapons?
The bill would prohibit new sales of semiautomatic assault weapons and large-capacity magazines. Supporters cite mass-shooting prevention; opponents cite Second Amendment rights. Where do you land?
Common questions
- Does a background check apply to a private sale?
- It depends on your state. Federal law requires checks for sales by licensed dealers; many states extend that to private sales, and many do not.
- Who can pass a red flag law?
- Your state legislature. Congress has funded state programs but the orders themselves are created under state law.