In the U.S., legal regulations require background checks for firearm purchases through licensed retailers to prevent high-risk individuals like felons from acquiring guns. However, significant loopholes exist, most notably the 'gun show loophole', allowing unlicensed sellers to transfer firearms without background checks. While 22 states have attempted to close these gaps by implementing stricter universal background checks, the majority of states still lack robust regulations, leading to the continued risk of unauthorized access to firearms by prohibited persons.
Under federal law, certain convicted criminals are not legally permitted to own a firearm - but legal loopholes make it easy for prohibited persons to obtain firearms from private sellers.
Notably, federal background check requirements do not extend to unlicensed retailers. This loophole creates opportunities for individuals who are prohibited from gun ownership to buy firearms from gun shows or private sellers, no questions asked.
In response, many states have implemented universal background check laws, requiring gun buyers to obtain a permit prior to purchasing a firearm, or by requiring private sellers to conduct transactions through a licensed retailer.
Of the 50 states, 22 have expanded background check laws to help ensure gun buyers are properly vetted, but most states still retain loopholes that allow prohibited persons to obtain firearms.
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