Bill 117 HR 1769, also known as the NICS Denial Notification Act of 2021, aims to improve the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) by requiring federal authorities to notify state and local law enforcement agencies when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the background check system.
The bill mandates that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) must notify state and local law enforcement agencies within 24 hours of a NICS denial. This notification would include information about the prohibited individual, such as their name, date of birth, and the reason for the denial.
The purpose of this legislation is to enhance communication between federal and local law enforcement agencies in order to prevent prohibited individuals from obtaining firearms illegally. By providing timely information about denied background checks, law enforcement agencies can investigate and potentially prevent these individuals from obtaining firearms through other means.
The NICS Denial Notification Act of 2021 has received bipartisan support in Congress, with lawmakers recognizing the importance of improving the background check system to enhance public safety. The bill aims to address gaps in the current system and ensure that law enforcement agencies have the necessary information to enforce existing gun laws effectively.
Overall, the NICS Denial Notification Act of 2021 seeks to strengthen the background check system and improve communication between federal and local law enforcement agencies to prevent prohibited individuals from obtaining firearms.