WASHINGTON—Today, the Justice Department finalized a rule to close a loophole that allowed people to sell firearms online, at gun shows, and at other informal venues without conducting background checks on those who purchase them. This final rule implements provisions of bipartisan legislation Senator Klobuchar has long championed that became law in 2022.

“In 2022, I worked across the aisle to pass bipartisan gun safety legislation to expand background checks, keep guns out of the hands of domestic abusers, boost mental healthcare, and more. The domestic abuse provision was a bill I led for years. Today we are implementing a crucial part of the law by expanding when sellers must conduct background checks for guns, including online or at gun shows.”

Klobuchar has long led efforts to prevent gun violence. Provisions from her bill with Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI) to close the ‘boyfriend loophole’ and prevent abusive dating partners from buying or owning firearms were also included in the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act signed into law in 2022. 

###