The Gun Control Act was enacted in 1968 to: 1) regulate imported firearms, 2) expand licensing and record keeping requirements for firearms dealers, 3) place limitations on the sale of handguns, and 4) define persons who are banned from buying firearms. The Gun Control Act prohibits the sale of firearms to convicted felons and fugitives. If an individual is found to be selling or transferring firearms to a convicted felon, fugitive or illegal alien, then that individual can be sentenced to a prison term of up to 60 months.The Gun Control Act was amended by the Firearms Owners Protection Act of 1986. This act states that all persons engaged in the dealing, manufacturing or importing of firearms must obtain a Federal Firearms License (FFL). Last year, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) received and inspected approximately 14,000 applications for new FFLs and 23,000 applications for license renewals. All applications for FFLs are inspected to ensure that the applicant is at least 21 years of age, has a place to set up a business and store firearms, and has never been convicted or is not currently under indictment for a felony.Every FFL is required to utilize the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) to perform instant background checks on prospective firearms transferees. All fugitives and individuals who have been convicted of a felony have a record in NICS.Currently, approximately 60,000 FFLs are authorized to conduct commerce (i.e., sell or transfer) in firearms. To ensure compliance from these licensees, ATF has conducted inspections of 15% of the current FFLs within the last year. Legace’s Defense, a retail chain that sells firearms and camping equipment, was inspected by ATF six months ago.From the information given above, it can be logically concluded that:Some individuals or organizations that are required to perform background checks on prospective firearms transferees are Federal Firearms License holders.
