U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder has released the first three of what could be 23 new proposals aimed at strengthening the nation’s gun laws, in line with the goals put forth by President Obama during his inaugural address and by executive order.
The regulations put local law enforcement agencies in the loop of an FBI-maintained database of gun sales, The Hill reported. Mr. Holder also brought forth a provision to save permanently the records of those whose gun purchase applications were denied.
Under current law, local law enforcement cannot access the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). And currently, database records on denied gun sales are only maintained for 10 years.
“The retention of denied transaction information,” Mr. Holder wrote, in a notice to be published in the Federal Register, “will enhance the efficiency and operational capability of the NCIS.”
Finally, Mr. Holder’s new proposal would also allow Native American tribes the ability to access the NICS, according to The Hill.
Comments on the proposals will be accepted until March 28.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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