S. 494 · 118th Congress · 2023–2024
Background Check Expansion Act
S. 494 in the 118th Congress (2023–2024) was introduced on Feb 16, 2023, sponsored by Christopher Murphy with 48 co-sponsors.
During the 118th Congress (2023–2024), Joe Biden was president, and Republicans held the House majority and Democrats the Senate majority.
- Status
- Introduced
- Introduced
- Feb 16, 2023
- Co-sponsors
- 48
- Policy area
- Crime and Law Enforcement
What it does
Background Check Expansion Act This bill establishes new background check requirements for firearm transfers between private parties (i.e., unlicensed individuals). Specifically, it prohibits a firearm transfer between private parties unless a licensed gun dealer, manufacturer, or importer first takes possession of the firearm to conduct a background check.
Summary by the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service.
Sponsor
Christopher Murphy (D-CT). Co-sponsors: 46 Democrats, 2 Independents.
Where it stands
- IntroducedFeb 16, 2023
- Passed the Senate—
- Passed the House—
- Sent to the President—
- Became law—
Latest action: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (Feb 16, 2023)
Other Crime and Law Enforcement bills in the 118th Congress
- S. 206: END FENTANYL Act
- S. 474: REPORT Act
- S. 546: Recruit and Retain Act
- S. 2051: Missing Children's Assistance Reauthorization Act of 2023
- H.R. 1105: Debbie Smith Act of 2023
- S. 3706: Victims' VOICES Act
- S. 4548: Foreign Extortion Prevention Technical Corrections Act
- S. 223: A bill to amend the Controlled Substances Act to fix a technical error in the definitions.
- S.J.Res. 20: A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United…
- H.J.Res. 44: Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the…
Committees
- Judiciary Committee
More
From GovInfo bill records, Congressional Research Service summaries, Voteview roll calls and lobbying reports.
Cite or embed this page
Capitol Receipts, “S. 494 (118th Congress): Background Check Expansion Act,” https://www.capitolreceipts.com/bill/118-s-494/background-check-expansion-act (accessed 2026-10-13).