VoterlyH.R. 8: Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2019
116th Congress · Sponsored from California · In progress
What this bill does
Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2019 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 in good faith.
Key facts
- Status In progress
- Introduced 2019-01-08
- Policy area Crime and Law Enforcement
- Cosponsors 232
- Latest action Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 29.
Sponsor
Who funds the sponsor?
Rep. Thompson, Mike [D-CA-5] introduced H.R. 8. On Voterly you can see their top campaign donors from public Federal Election Commission records — individuals, PACs, and industry groups (follow the money) — and compare that with how they vote.
See Rep. Thompson, Mike [D-CA-5]'s donors & voting record →
Campaign donations show who helps fund the sponsor's election; they are not the same as who drafted or lobbied for the bill text. Lobbying disclosures are separate public records.
Take a position & compare alignment
Agree or disagree with H.R. 8? Go to the homepage to record your view and compare your stance with how your representatives vote. See Rep. Thompson, Mike [D-CA-5]'s profile to vote on their bills and check your alignment % with the sponsor.
Read the official text on Congress.gov →
Frequently asked questions
What does H.R. 8 do?
Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2019 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, manuf…
Who sponsored H.R. 8?
Rep. Thompson, Mike [D-CA-5] (D) of California is the lead sponsor.
How do I find out who funds or lobbies for H.R. 8?
Campaign-finance records (Federal Election Commission) show who funds the bill's sponsor. Separately, federal lobbying disclosures filed under the Lobbying Disclosure Act list the companies and lobbyists who reported lobbying on specific bills. Voterly links the sponsor's donors; lobbying records are public at the U.S. Senate and House lobbying databases.
Is H.R. 8 now law?
Not yet. The current status is "In progress." See the latest action above for details.