JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The cornerstone of President Barack Obama's plan expands background checks to firearms sales at gun shows and on the Internet while also requiring gun dealers to be licensed.
President Obama also called on Congress to increase funding for mental health care and for hiring more background checkers and ATF agents.
The National Rifle Association says Obama's executive actions on gun control are "ripe for abuse" and lack seriousness.
Action News Jax spoke with gun store owner Dave Rickel about the president's new plans. It all begins with a form called the Firearms Transaction Record. If buyers answer yes to any of the questions, the sale ends right then and there. But on Tuesday, Obama announced he would like to update the background checks and make it so that anyone who is selling a gun has to conduct these checks.
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Rickel owns Florida Custom Weapon Finishing in Arlington. We were there as he went over the rules to buy a gun with a potential customer.
In order to sell guns, Rickel had to get a federal firearm license. Having the license means he needs to follow strict rules.
"I take it very seriously. I could lose my license if I violate," Rickel said.
Tuesday, President Obama announced a push for everyone who sells guns, whether at a gun store like Rickel, online or at a gun show, to register with the federal government.
"Anybody in the business of selling firearms must get a license and conduct backgrounds checks or be subject to criminal prosecution," President Obama said.
According to the FBI, more than 1.1 million background checks were conducted in Florida last year alone.
But President Obama said there are concerns about some sellers skirting the background check, potentially putting guns in the wrong hands.
But despite all the changes, Rickel said those who are intent on causing harm will find a way.
"If they can't get guns through legal means, they'll get them through illegal means by stealing or finding other means," Rickel said.
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