National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) Data Integrity Act of 2021
Latest action (14 Dec 2021): Introduced
What this bill does
S. 3387, the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) Data Integrity Act of 2021, would amend the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act to change how the FBI's background-check system handles firearm-purchase records. It would require the system to retain records related to a firearm transfer for as long as necessary to determine whether the transaction would violate federal or state law. If a determination is not made within 30 days, the system would have to notify the prospective purchaser in writing or by email, informing them that records may continue to be retained and that they may submit information to correct, clarify, or supplement those records. The bill would also require background checks to include searches of specific databases, including the National Data Exchange, the Interstate Identification Index System, National Crime Information Center databases, and the NICS Index, along with any other database the Attorney General deems relevant.
The bill primarily affects the federal background-check process for gun purchases, the agencies that operate it, and individuals whose purchases trigger a background check, particularly those whose checks take longer than 30 days to resolve.
The bill was introduced by Senator Dianne Feinstein, with several cosponsors, on December 14, 2021, and referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee. It did not receive a vote and did not advance further in the 117th Congress.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) Data Integrity Act of 2021
This bill modifies procedures for conducting firearms-related background checks through the national instant criminal background check system (NICS).
Specifically, the bill requires the NICS to retain records related to a firearms-related background check for as long as necessary to determine whether an individual is eligible to receive a firearm.
Additionally, the bill requires the NICS to query additional databases for relevant information, including the National Data Exchange, the Interstate Identification Index System, and the National Crime Information Center databases.
Common questions
- What does S. 3387 do?
- S. 3387, the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) Data Integrity Act of 2021, would amend the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act to change how the FBI's background-check system handles firearm-purchase records. It would require the system to retain records related to a firearm transfer for as long as necessary to determine whether the transaction would violate federal or state law. If a determination is not made within 30 days, the system would have to notify the prospective purchaser in writing or by email, informing them that records may continue to be retained and that they may submit information to correct, clarify, or supplement those records. The bill would also require background checks to include searches of specific databases, including the National Data Exchange, the Interstate Identification Index System, National Crime Information Center databases, and the NICS Index, along with any other database the Attorney General deems relevant. The bill primarily affects the federal background-check process for gun purchases, the agencies that operate it, and individuals whose purchases trigger a background check, particularly those whose checks take longer than 30 days to resolve. The bill was introduced by Senator Dianne Feinstein, with several cosponsors, on December 14, 2021, and referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee. It did not receive a vote and did not advance further in the 117th Congress.
- Has S. 3387 become law?
- Not yet. As of 14 Dec 2021, S. 3387 is introduced.
- Who sponsored S. 3387?
- S. 3387 was sponsored by Sen. Dianne Feinstein [D-CA, 1992-2023] (Democrat-CA), with 7 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S. 3387?
- Introduced (14 Dec 2021).
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