WASHINGTON–U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) on Friday released the following statement on the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) finalized rule to specify the definition of “engaged in the business” as a dealer in firearms. Murphy’s Bipartisan Safer Communities Act clarified the definition of who is “engaged in the business” of dealing in firearms as a person doing so with the intent to “predominately earn a profit.” The finalized rule amends the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ (ATF) regulations to conform with the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, clarifying who must register as a federally licensed firearms dealer and conduct background checks on gun sales.

“Today’s announcement is a landmark day for the implementation of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act that will significantly increase the number of background checks performed and help keep guns out of dangerous hands. For too long, the law allowed individuals who were clearly in business as a firearms dealer to sell guns for profit without conducting background checks, permitting thousands of gun sales to fly under the radar each year. That’s why our legislation made this important change to expand background checks by broadening the definition of who is engaged in the business. This rule brings us closer to the goal of universal background checks and will save lives,” said Murphy.

In December, Murphy submitted a public comment in support of the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) proposed rule. In September, Murphy highlighted the importance of this rule and how it will increased the number of background checks on gun sales.

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