Secure Background Checks Act of 2025
The Secure Background Checks Act of 2025 (H.R. 2648) would tighten federal firearm eligibility by adding new grounds to the existing prohibitions on firearm shipping, transport, possession, or receipt. Specifically, it would create two new disqualifications under 18 U.S.C. 922(g): (10) for individuals who fail to meet the federal age requirement described in 18 U.S.C. 922(b)(1) and who are not residents of the state where the gun licensee’s business is located; and (11) for individuals who do not reside in the same state as the licensee’s place of business and who do not qualify for any listed exceptions. In addition, the bill would modify penalties by adding a new category (n) to 18 U.S.C. 924(a)(2) (alongside the existing category (o)), thereby expanding potential penalties for related firearm offenses. The bill’s title also mentions increasing penalties for transferring a firearm to someone who is under indictment, though the text provided does not lay out that specific penalty in detail beyond the added penalty category.
Key Points
- 1Adds two new disqualification grounds in 18 U.S.C. 922(g):
- 2- (10) A person who fails to meet the federal age requirement and is not in the state of the licensee’s residence.
- 3- (11) A person who does not reside in the state where the licensee’s place of business is located (and lacks applicable exceptions).
- 4These new grounds apply to shipping, transporting, possessing, or receiving firearms and ammunition.
- 5Alters the structure of penalties by adding new category (n) to 18 U.S.C. 924(a)(2) (along with existing (o)).
- 6The bill’s title indicates a separate aim to increase penalties for transferring a firearm to a person under indictment, but the provided text does not specify the exact changes for that scenario.
- 7The legislation is introduced in the House (April 3, 2025) and referred to the Judiciary Committee; sponsors include Rep. Neguse and co-sponsors listed in the text.