National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) Data Integrity Act of 2023
Latest action (19 Jul 2023): Introduced
What this bill does
S. 2381, the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) Data Integrity Act of 2023, would amend the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act to change how background check records are searched and retained when someone attempts to buy a firearm. It would require the FBI's NICS system to retain records related to a firearm transfer for as long as necessary to determine whether the purchaser is legally prohibited from possessing a gun under federal law (relating to disqualifying categories such as felony convictions or restraining orders) or under state law. If a determination isn't made within 30 days, the system would have to notify the prospective buyer in writing or by email, informing them that records may continue to be retained and that they may submit information to correct or supplement their file. The bill would also require NICS to search additional databases—including the National Data Exchange, the Interstate Identification Index, the National Crime Information Center databases, and the NICS Index—when checking a buyer's eligibility.
The bill primarily affects the FBI and other agencies that operate NICS, gun dealers who rely on background checks, and individuals purchasing firearms, particularly those whose checks are delayed or flagged for further review. It aims to standardize which databases are searched and clarify records-retention practices.
Introduced by Senator Dianne Feinstein and several cosponsors on July 19, 2023, the bill was referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee. It did not receive a vote and saw no further action during the 118th Congress.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
This bill was introduced on July 19, 2023, in a previous session of Congress, but it did not receive a vote.
Common questions
- What does S. 2381 do?
- S. 2381, the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) Data Integrity Act of 2023, would amend the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act to change how background check records are searched and retained when someone attempts to buy a firearm. It would require the FBI's NICS system to retain records related to a firearm transfer for as long as necessary to determine whether the purchaser is legally prohibited from possessing a gun under federal law (relating to disqualifying categories such as felony convictions or restraining orders) or under state law. If a determination isn't made within 30 days, the system would have to notify the prospective buyer in writing or by email, informing them that records may continue to be retained and that they may submit information to correct or supplement their file. The bill would also require NICS to search additional databases—including the National Data Exchange, the Interstate Identification Index, the National Crime Information Center databases, and the NICS Index—when checking a buyer's eligibility. The bill primarily affects the FBI and other agencies that operate NICS, gun dealers who rely on background checks, and individuals purchasing firearms, particularly those whose checks are delayed or flagged for further review. It aims to standardize which databases are searched and clarify records-retention practices. Introduced by Senator Dianne Feinstein and several cosponsors on July 19, 2023, the bill was referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee. It did not receive a vote and saw no further action during the 118th Congress.
- Has S. 2381 become law?
- Not yet. As of 19 Jul 2023, S. 2381 is introduced.
- Who sponsored S. 2381?
- S. 2381 was sponsored by Sen. Dianne Feinstein [D-CA, 1992-2023] (Democrat-CA), with 6 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S. 2381?
- Introduced (19 Jul 2023).
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