Universal Background Checks

I know that discussing guns is considered by some to be a political "third rail", since there are many who approach it as single-issue voters, unwilling to support anyone that wants any additional gun safety regulation, but I will broach the topic regardless. I would like to believe that the following is "common ground" we can all agree on, but as we saw at the federal level this past year, that apparently may not the case.

Currently, sales from licensed firearm dealers are regulated by the federal government, and the state is responsible for most regulations regarding private individual-to-individual transfers or sales. Michigan treats those private transactions differently depending on if the firearm is a pistol or a long gun (rifle or shotgun). If the firearm is a pistol, then the purchaser is required to obtain a permit for the handgun, and both the buyer and seller must sign the Pistol Sales Record. By requiring that the purchaser obtain a permit, they will then be subjected to a background check before the permit is issued. It is illegal for a private individual to sell a handgun to someone that can’t show they’ve gone through a background check.

Sales of long guns between private individuals do not require a permit, nor do they need any other type of background check. This is the policy that I believe should change, and you need look no further than laws regarding alcohol as an analogy.

It is illegal for some individuals (those under 21) to possess alcohol. The state has also made it illegal for someone to sell or provide alcohol to anyone that is not able to possess it, regardless of whether the supplier is a licensed dealer or a private individual. They have effectively created a “universal background check” requirement for alcohol, placing the onus on the suppliers to confirm that the individual they are providing alcohol to is able to have it.

I see no reason that same standard should not be applied to firearms. If there is an individual who is not legally allowed to obtain a gun, anyone who provides them with a gun should be criminally liable. Doing a background check on the purchaser would absolve the supplier of that liability.