Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act

The Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act, enacted in 1993, mandates background checks on individuals before they can purchase firearms from licensed dealers. Named after Jim Brady, who was injured during an attempted assassination of President Reagan, the law aims to prevent guns from falling into the hands of those prohibited, such as felons or individuals with serious mental health issues. It established a waiting period for handgun purchases and a national system to execute background checks, promoting safer gun sales and reducing the risk of firearm-related violence.