Background Check Expansion Act

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IntroducedPassed one chamberPassed both chambersBecame law (gold)Resolution agreed to (full, dark)Failed or vetoed (gray)

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Not yet voted on. This bill is still a proposal: it hasn't reached a floor vote, and its text can change in committee or on the floor before any vote.

D MurphySponsor

46 cosponsors · 44 D, 2 I

45 signed on when it was introduced; the rest joined later. Cosponsors who withdrew aren't shown.

This bill establishes new background check requirements for firearm transfers between private parties (i.e., unlicensed individuals).

What it does: CRS summary · Introduced in Senate · Nov 19, 2025

Background Check Expansion Act

This bill establishes new background check requirements for firearm transfers between private parties (i.e., unlicensed individuals).

Specifically, it prohibits a firearm transfer between private parties unless a licensed gun dealer, manufacturer, or importer first takes possession of the firearm to conduct a background check.

The prohibition does not apply to certain firearm transfers, such as a gift between spouses.

Written by the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service. All summary versions on Congress.gov

About this bill and sources

Official title: Background Check Expansion Act

Latest action (Nov 19, 2025): Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Policy area: Crime and Law Enforcement · Origin: Senate · Introduced: Nov 19, 2025

Official page on Congress.gov · Bill text (GovInfo) · Status record (XML)

No recorded floor vote found.