OPENING THE RECORD
OPENING THE RECORD
H.R. 4688 · 119TH CONGRESS
This has not become law. Both chambers must pass the same text before sending it to the president. How a bill becomes law.
CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
Choosing Our Own Lives Over Fast Firearms Act or the COOL OFF Act
This bill establishes a three-day waiting period for certain handgun transfers.
Specifically, the bill makes it unlawful for a licensed importer, manufacturer, or dealer to sell or transfer a handgun to an unlicensed individual unless three business days have elapsed since the licensee initiated a background check. A violator is subject to criminal penalties—a fine, up to one year in prison, or both.
Additionally, the bill makes it unlawful for an unlicensed individual to receive a handgun from another unlicensed individual unless at least three business days have elapsed since the recipient most recently offered to take possession of the handgun. A violator is subject to criminal penalties—a fine, up to five years in prison, or both.
The three-day waiting period does not apply to certain handgun transfers, such as for a loan between spouses for a lawful purpose.
Written by the Congressional Research Service for this version of the bill. Later versions may differ. Read at Congress.gov.