SEN. GIANARIS INTRODUCES EFFECTIVE BACKGROUND CHECK ACT, EXTENDING BACKGROUND CHECK WAITING PERIOD TO 10 DAYS

ALBANY, N.Y. – Senator Michael Gianaris today introduced legislation to combat gun violence in communities across New York State. The Senator’s bill, the Effective Background Check Act of 2018, would extend the waiting period for background checks to be completed to ten days from the current three. The bill would also include provisions to require firearm dealers to alert law enforcement of attempted criminal purchases of weapons. 
  
"More responsible gun laws will make our communities safer, keep firearms away from dangerous people and ensure preventable tragedies do not happen,” said Senator Michael Gianaris. “Senate Democrats will not stop fighting for a safer future for New York families."   
  
Currently, there is a three-day waiting period for a background check to be completed before a seller can transfer a firearm to a purchaser. If the check is not completed in that time, the firearm may be sold without a background check at all. Over 300,000 background checks were not concluded in the three-day period in 2016 alone. Senator Gianaris’ proposal would extend the waiting period to 10 days so that proper background checks could be completed in all cases. 

Senator Gianaris’ bill would also require firearms dealers report to the police any attempts to make illegal gun purchases and would require employees of gun manufacturers and dealers to also undergo background checks. 

Today’s announcement came as the Senate Democratic Conference rolled out a slate of legislation designed to curb illegal guns on New York’s streets. The bills would keep guns out of the hands of dangerous individuals and help keep communities safe. 

Photos of today's press conference with the Senate Democrats can be found here: http://bit.ly/2BZU94H.