Toomey's Compromise Requires Background Checks for Guns Sold in Publications

Senator Pat Toomey’s (R-PA) background check ‘compromise’ expands background checks to cover not only gun shows and internet sales but also sales in print publications.

Section 122 of “The Public Safety and Second Amendment Rights Protection Act” states:

Beginning on the date that is 180 days after the enactment of this subsection…it shall be unlawful for any person other than a licensed dealer, licensed manufacturer, or licensed importer to complete the transfer of a firearm to any other person who is not licensed under this chapter, if the transfer occurs A) at a gun show or event, on the curtilage thereof, or B) pursuant to an advertising, posting, display or other listing on the Internet, or in a publication by the transferor of his intent to transfer, or of the transferee of his intent to acquire, the firearm. (emphasis added)

Once this bill is adopted, a classified ad in a publication–a newspaper or magazine for instance–which reads, “For Sale: Glock 19 9mm,” or a classified ad which reads, “Marlin Model 60 .22 rifle for sale,” would both follow under the purview of Toomey’s “compromise.”

Exceptions to this rule occur when an unlicensed transferor and unlicensed transferee are from the same state and are performing the transfer in that state–if said state allows such transfers–or when the transfer is between the specific family members listed as exceptions in Toomey’s bill. 

Thankfully, Toomey allows your grandfather to sell a gun to you without a background check.