Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2025

The Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2025 would expand the federal framework for firearm transfers by requiring that any transfer of a firearm between unlicensed individuals go through a licensed importer, manufacturer, or dealer, who must first conduct a background check using the existing system. The bill adds a new subsection (aa) to 18 U.S.C. 922 and ties the transfer to compliance with the current background checks process (section t). If a transfer cannot be completed after a licensee takes possession, the return of the firearm does not count as a transfer. The bill also creates several exemptions (e.g., certain in-family transfers, temporary transfers to prevent imminent harm, estate-related transfers) and imposes requirements on licensees to provide notice of prohibitions to transferees and obtain a certification. It mandates bilingual (English and Spanish) background check forms, expands penalties to cover the new transfer provisions, and preserves prohibitions on creating a national firearms registry while respecting state authority. The changes would take effect 180 days after enactment. Introduced in the House on June 10, 2025, by Rep. Thompson (CA) with numerous co-sponsors, the bill would modify federal statute to close gaps in the private-sale background-check framework and strengthen the enforcement of background checks for firearm transfers.