Overview of Federal and State Gun Laws

Federal and state gun laws protect us at home, school, work, and in our communities.  The Brady Campaign works to pass and protect sensible gun laws.

The Federal Brady background check law has blocked 1.5 million convicted felons, stalkers and other dangerous people from obtaining firearms.  After the Brady Law and Assault Weapons Ban took effect in 1994, gun deaths declined dramatically, from a high of more than 18,000 gun homicides in 1993 to around 12,000 in 2005.  Click here to learn more about the history of federal gun laws in the United States.  Click here to read more about pending federal legislation. 

Tough state gun laws further restrict criminal and juvenile access to firearms and require that guns be designed with safety mechanisms to protect children from accidental shootings.  Click here to read more about state legislation.