Abstract
BackgroundComprehensive background check (CBC) laws extend background check requirements to private party firearm transfers to prevent firearm acquisitions by prohibited persons. The aim of our study was to estimate the association between CBC policies and changes in background check rates for firearm acquisition in two states (Oregon and Washington) that have newly-enacted CBC policies.MethodsWe used data on handgun background checks from January 1999 to December 2018 from the National Instant Criminal Background Check System. Observed trends in exposed states were contrasted with counterfactual trends estimated with the synthetic control group method.FindingsCBC policies were associated with increases in background checks in Oregon (by 18.0%; p = 0.074), but not in Washington (4%; p = 0.321). A gradual increase in private party checks was seen following enactment in Washington; however, firearm transactions coded as “private” represent less than 5% of total background checks in that state.ConclusionsComprehensive background check policies appear to be effective in increasing pre-firearm-sale background checks in Oregon but not in Washington. Differences appear to be related to variations in the proportion of firearm sales that are private party transfers and to gradual adaptation to the new law by private gun sellers.
Highlights
IntroductionComprehensive background check (CBC) laws extend background check requirements to private party
Comprehensive background check policies appear to be effective in increasing pre-firearm-sale background checks in Oregon but not in Washington
Differences appear to be related to variations in the proportion of firearm sales that are private party transfers and to gradual adaptation to the new law by private gun sellers
Summary
CBC laws extend background check requirements to private party. Full list of author information is available at the end of the article firearm transfers to prevent firearm acquisitions by prohibited persons. In states without CBC policies, approximately 57% of private party transfers precede without background checks; this decreases to. Most prohibited persons (95%) who acquire firearms for criminal purposes rely on sellers not required to conduct checks (Vittes et al 2013). Comprehensive background check (CBC) laws extend background check requirements to private party firearm transfers to prevent firearm acquisitions by prohibited persons. The aim of our study was to estimate the association between CBC policies and changes in background check rates for firearm acquisition in two states (Oregon and Washington) that have newly-enacted CBC policies
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