The Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act is a U.S. law enacted in 1993 aimed at reducing gun violence. It established a system for background checks on individuals purchasing firearms from licensed dealers. This law was named after James Brady, who was injured during an assassination attempt on President Ronald Reagan in 1981. The Act requires that federal firearms licensees conduct background checks through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). This system helps to identify individuals who are prohibited from owning firearms, such as those with felony convictions or mental health issues, thereby promoting public safety.