FBI would alert registered victims when offenders seek firearms unlawfully

The FBI would run the federal alert system with input from state, local, and Tribal agencies. It would cover registered people harmed by specified federal crimes. Legal guardians or representatives could register for minors or victims unable to act for themselves. People must verify their eligibility and register; they may leave the system at any time. An offender cannot register as a victim’s representative, and later firearm-activity alerts stop after a pardon or restoration of rights for the same registered offense. Victim data could be used only for firearm alerts, and background-check information must be deleted within 24 hours after an alert. The proposal would not change otherwise-lawful firearm rights or give someone an enforceable legal claim to the system’s services.

The Attorney General would award grants to states and Tribes to build or upgrade victim alert systems. States and Tribes with victim notification systems could apply. Covered cases would involve domestic violence offenses or court orders that bar firearm receipt. Funded systems must let victims register or leave at any time and must send annual registration notices. Alerts would cover unlawful firearm attempts, transfers before late denials, and later enforcement or eligibility changes. The proposal would authorize $10 million for each covered fiscal year, but Congress would need to provide the money separately. The funding authorization would cover fiscal years 2027 through 2031. Federal agencies would have 24 hours to send required event reports; recipients would have three years to implement the program and must operate it for at least three years.