Fix NICS Act of 2017

Bill 115 hr 4477, also known as the Fix NICS Act of 2017, is a piece of legislation aimed at improving the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) for gun purchases. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on November 29, 2017, by Representative John Culberson of Texas.

The main purpose of the Fix NICS Act is to ensure that all relevant records are uploaded to the NICS system in a timely manner. This includes records of individuals who are prohibited from purchasing firearms, such as those with a history of domestic violence or mental illness. The bill also incentivizes states and federal agencies to comply with NICS reporting requirements by withholding certain federal grant funding for those that do not.

Additionally, the Fix NICS Act requires the Attorney General to submit an annual report to Congress on the number of records submitted to NICS by each state and federal agency. This transparency measure is intended to hold agencies accountable for their reporting practices. Overall, the Fix NICS Act of 2017 aims to strengthen the background check system for gun purchases and improve public safety by ensuring that individuals who are prohibited from owning firearms are unable to obtain them. The bill has received bipartisan support in Congress and is seen as a step towards addressing gaps in the current background check system.