Biden administration announces plans to expand background checks to close "gun show loophole"

The Biden administration announced Thursday final plans to expand requirements to perform background checks for those who buy firearms at gun shows or online, aiming to effectively close what gun control advocates have long referred to as the "gun show loophole." 

The new federal rules will not create new law but will expand the definition of licensed firearms dealers. This move will also sharpen existing enforcement measures to ensure that the background screenings — which have not traditionally been necessary at certain gun sale locations — are carried out in more circumstances. 

The Justice Department estimates there are around 23,000 unlicensed firearms dealers who will now be required to complete background checks when selling guns, although senior administration officials said that predictions about the unlicensed gun market are imprecise.