The Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act, also known as the Brady Bill, is a federal law that was passed in 1993. It requires background checks on individuals purchasing handguns from licensed firearms dealers.
Related terms
Background check: A process where an individual's criminal history and mental health records are reviewed before they are allowed to purchase a firearm.
Firearms dealer: A licensed seller of firearms who must comply with federal regulations and conduct background checks on potential buyers.
National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS): The system used by firearms dealers to instantly determine if a prospective buyer is eligible to purchase a firearm based on their background check results.
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