Jaime’s Law
Congress Proposes Requiring Background Checks for All Ammunition Purchases
Legislative Progress
Key Points
- This bill, introduced by Ms. Wasserman Schultz, would require people to pass a background check before they can buy ammunition. Currently, federal law requires these checks for most gun purchases, but this change would apply the same rules to the bullets themselves.
- Under this proposal, private sellers who are not licensed dealers would have to use a professional gun shop to handle ammunition transfers. The licensed dealer would take the ammunition and run a background check on the buyer before the sale can be finished.
- The bill includes several exceptions for everyday activities. You would not need a background check to give ammunition as a gift to close family members, like a spouse or child, or to share ammunition with someone while at a shooting range or out hunting.
- This policy is intended to prevent people who are already legally banned from owning guns—such as those with certain criminal records—from being able to easily buy ammunition. It specifically states that it does not create a national list or registry of gun or ammunition owners.
Impact Analysis
Personal Impact
Life & Work
People with certain criminal records who are already prohibited from purchasing firearms would also be blocked from purchasing ammunition through the background check system. This closes a gap in current law where prohibited persons could still legally acquire ammunition through private sales without a background check, further restricting their access to ammunition.
Disabilities
Activities
Broader Impacts
Milestones
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Introduced in House
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
Votes
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
Related News
2 articlesPush To Pass Gun Legislation On 8th Anniversary Of Parkland Massacre
On the 8th anniversary of the Parkland massacre, Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz is reintroducing 'Jaime's Law' named in honor of one of the victims. These checks are required for firearms but not for ammunition. Wasserman Schultz wants to close the loophole by requiring the same checks.
Delegation for 2.17.26: Parkland — clawback — elections — FirstNet — Douglass
Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, a Weston Democrat, held an appearance in Florida with Parkland father Fred Guttenberg to promote 'Jaime's law,' named for victim Jaime Guttenberg. The legislation would require a license or a background check to purchase ammunition.
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Jaime’s Law
Data Sources
Sponsor
Cosponsors
(16)Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.