Gun Control Laws and Regulations By Marie Handy

'Tommy Gun' Era and the National Firearms Act of 1934

Jun 26, 1934

The 'Tommy Gun' Era was created by Al Capone, John Dillinger, Bonnie and Clyde and Baby Face Nelson. The National Firearms Act of 1934 was passed; it was congresses first attempt of gun control.

National Firearms Act of 1938

Jun 30, 1938

National Firearms Act of 1938 requires the licensing of gun dealers and made them record what they sold.

Gun Control Act 1968

Oct 22, 1968

This act keeps firearms out of the hands of people not legally entitled to posses them, such as minors, people with a criminal background or incompetence.

Firearm Owners Protection of 1986

May 19, 1986

The Firearm Protection of 1986 bans civilian ownership of machine guns and ads more gun dealer regulations.

Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act of 1993

Nov 30, 1993

This act makes all buyers of guns receive a background check. If unfit to by a gun, they cannot purchase the weapon.

Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act

Sep 13, 1994

This enacted a 10 year ban on assault rifles and it limited the rounds on large capacity to 10.

Tiahrt Amendment

Jan 1, 2003

The Tiahrt Amendment prohibits law enforcement from publicly releasing data showing where people and criminals bought their firearms.

10-year Sunset Provision

Jan 1, 2004

The 10-year sunset provision of the assault weapons ban runs its course and the law is not renewed by Congress, letting people own them. Repeated efforts to renew the ban fail.

Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act

Oct 26, 2005

George W. Bush signs the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act, which grants gun manufacturers immunity from civil lawsuits filed over crimes committed with firearms.

Columbia v. Heller

Jun 26, 2006

Americans have an individual right under the Second Amendment to possess firearms.