Quigley Gun Violence Prevention Legislation Signed into Law

U.S. Representative Mike Quigley's (IL-05) legislation the NICS Denial Notification Act has been signed into law by President Joe Biden as part of the FY22 Omnibus package. The NICS Denial Notification Act will require federal authorities to alert state and local law enforcement within 24 hours when an ineligible individual lies on a background check and tries to purchase a firearm, which can be a warning sign of future criminal behavior.

"If we have the power to stop a firearm from getting into the wrong hands, we must take it. This bipartisan, common-sense legislation is a critical step to improving our approach to violence prevention and will save countless lives," said Quigley. "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 today, the President is making good on his commitment to end the gun violence epidemic and help Americans feel safer in their communities."

Quigley introduced the bipartisan NICS Denial Notification Act last year with Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Eric Swalwell (CA-15), and Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-25). The legislation is endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police, the Major Cities Chiefs Association, the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, the National District Attorneys Association, the National Domestic Violence Hotline, the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Everytown for Gun Safety, and Giffords.

In the 13 states that run their own background checks, state authorities are already aware when prohibited persons fail a background check, and local law enforcement can then investigate these cases. However, in the 37 states and the District of Columbia that rely on the FBI to run some or all their background checks, local authorities generally are not aware when a person in their area fails a background check.

The NICS Denial Notification Act will:

• Require federal authorities to alert state law enforcement of background checks denials, so that state authorities can decide whether to investigate, prosecute, and/or keep an eye on these denied individuals for signs of future criminal activity.
• Require DOJ to publish an annual report with statistics about its prosecution of background check denial cases, so Congress and voters can hold federal officials accountable.