Newtown, Connecticut– September 2022– With the passage of the “Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA),” Public Law 117-159, Federal Firearm Licensees (FFLs) will, after acquiring an individual’s written consent, have the authority to perform a voluntary National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) check on current and prospective employees.
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This is something NSSF® has long sought and advocated for including in the final passage of the BSCA. The NICS Section is referring to this new use of the NICS as “firearm handler checks.” The BSCA requires the Attorney General to promulgate regulations for this purpose. The NICS Section continues to work with FBI office of General Counsel and the DOJ to advance potential regulatory language for firearm handler checks.
Currently, NICS may not be utilized for employee background checks.
The NICS Section will send ample notification regarding the implementation date for this new use of the NICS. Until that time, please note the NICS may not be accessed for this purpose. Should you have any questions, you may email nicsliaison@fbi.gov or call 844-265-6716.
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