What are background checks?

Federal law prohibits certain categories of people from having guns, including felons, domestic abusers, and people with certain mental health histories. Background checks…

Are high-capacity magazines prohibited under federal law?

In 1994, Congress enacted a prohibition on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, but it expired in 2004. Despite public support, the prohibition was…

Are there concerns that threat assessment programs could disproportionately impact student of color or students with disabilities?

Yes. Schools should carefully monitor their threat identification and assessment programs and collect data to ensure that programs are implemented appropriately and are not…

What requirements should states set for carrying concealed guns in public?

States should set strong requirements, including at the minimum: Requiring that a person pass a background check and obtain a concealed carry permit.Requiring gun safety…

Isn’t the technology for 3-D printing guns too expensive to pose a risk?

Relatively cheap 3-D printers are widely available. With the availability of the computer code, it is easy to download, print, and assemble a downloadable…

Are 3-D printed guns illegal?

It may be illegal for a prohibited person (felon, domestic abuser, minor) to possess a downloadable or 3-D printed firearm, but the problem is…

What is a downloadable gun?

Downloadable guns are untraceable firearms that are 3-D printed using computer code that is acquired without a background check. Learn more…

Do laws regulating assault weapons reduce gun violence?

Yes. A 2018 study found that mass shooting fatalities were 70 percent less likely to occur from 1994 to 2004, when the federal prohibition…

Are high-capacity magazines legal in every state?

These states prohibit high-capacity magazines. 14 states have adopted this policy AL AK…

What are high-capacity magazines?

High-capacity magazines are commonly defined as ammunition feeding devices capable of holding more than 10-rounds, enabling a shooter to fire many bullets without pausing…

How can I help make sure my child doesn’t gain access to an unsecured gun?

It is always an adult’s responsibility to make sure children are never in the presence of unsecured guns. Kids will be kids, so don’t assume…

My child received training telling them not to approach or play with a gun. Is that enough to keep them safe?

One study found that young children who go through a week-long gun safety training are just as likely as children with no training to approach…

Would requiring background checks on all gun sales create a nationwide gun owner registry?

There is no federal registry of gun owners, and the federal government is legally prohibited from creating one — when someone passes a background check…

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If schools do conduct active shooter drills, what guidelines should they follow?

For schools that do conduct drills, they should follow these guidelines to protect the well-being of students: Drills should not mimic an actual incident.Schools…

What information should be given to gun purchasers?

It is important to educate on secure gun storage. Storing household guns locked, unloaded, and separate from the ammunition is associated with reductions in…

Why isn’t the $25 million Congress appropriated to gun violence research in 2019 enough?

The $25 million Congress appropriated for gun violence research in 2019 was the first funding for gun violence research in decades. It has taken significant…

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Do waiting periods accomplish the same things as closing the Charleston loophole?

While it is imperative that lawmakers close the Charleston Loophole, which would require some gun buyers to wait for several days until their…

How long are the waiting periods in the states that have these laws?

Existing waiting period laws range from 3 days to 14 days, with the majority of the laws requiring buyers to wait 7 or 10…

What is the “open carry loophole”?

While many states regulate the carrying of concealed guns including by requiring a permit to do so, most states do not regulate the open carry…

Is there a difference between permitless carry and constitutional carry?

No. “Constitutional carry” is a term used by the gun lobby to justify dangerous permitless carry policies that require no permit, background check, or safety…

What is a Stand Your Ground law?

Under traditional self-defense law, a person can use force to defend themselves anywhere. If they’re outside their home, though, they can’t use force that is…

Is there proof that people who are not allowed to have guns are printing guns?

In February 2019, a Texas man was sentenced to 8 years in prison after officers caught him with a partially 3-D printed AR-15 rifle and…