NNEDV Commends Introduction of the Fix NICS Act

November 17, 2017

Legislation Prioritizes Domestic Violence by Strengthening Background Check Database

The National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) commends Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Tim Scott (R-SC), and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) for introducing the Fix NICS Act. This bill would help to avert future tragedies by ensuring that domestic violence records are submitted into the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) thoroughly and accurately.

Representing the 56 state and territorial coalitions against domestic and sexual violence, NNEDV is proud to endorse the Fix NICS Act. “The background check system is broken. Inconsistent implementation of current law has left domestic violence victims and all of us dangerously vulnerable. This bill will save lives by ensuring that firearms are kept out of the hands of people with a history of domestic abuse,” said Kim Gandy, NNEDV President and CEO.

There is a deadly connection between domestic violence fatalities and an abuser’s ability to access firearms. Inconsistent implementation of current law leaves unacceptable gaps in the background check system, allowing dangerous perpetrators easy access to deadly weapons. This legislation creates a Domestic Abuse and Violence Prevention Initiative that would ensure states have adequate funding and resources to share all relevant prohibitory information with NICS. It would also require federal and state agencies to submit NICS implementation plans that outline how they will upload all prohibitory information into the background check system. Additionally, it provides incentives to states to comply with their NICS implementation plan and holds agencies accountable for failure to submit relevant records.

NNEDV urges Congress to move with a sense of urgency to disarm domestic abusers and pass the Fix NICS Act.