Our Lady of Peace Act

H.R. 4757, the Our Lady of Peace Act, aims to improve the effectiveness of the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) by ensuring that federal and state records are accurately updated and shared. The bill requires federal agencies and encourages state governments to provide comprehensive records regarding individuals prohibited from owning firearms—such as those with certain criminal convictions or specific mental health adjudications—to the national background check database.

For citizens, the practical impact of this legislation is a more reliable background check process during firearm purchases. By providing grants to states to automate their record-keeping and improve the reporting of domestic violence restraining orders and mental health records, the bill seeks to close "loopholes" caused by missing or outdated information. Additionally, the act includes provisions to protect the privacy of individuals' information and prohibits the FBI from charging user fees for background checks.