The Brady Law, named for former White House press secretary James Brady, who was seriously wounded in the 1981 assassination attempt on President Ronald Reagan, is enacted, effective in 1994. The law requires federally licensed firearm dealers to perform background checks with law enforcement officials before selling a firearm. During the background check, officials confirm whether the buyer falls within a category of individuals prohibited from owning or possessing a firearm by state law and/or the 1968 Gun Control Act.