Gun Trafficker Detection Act
Gun Trafficker Detection Act
Plain Language Summary
# Gun Trafficker Detection Act Summary **What the bill would do:** The Gun Trafficker Detection Act would require gun owners to report lost or stolen firearms to federal or local law enforcement within 48 hours of discovering the loss or theft. The goal is to help law enforcement track firearms that may be diverted to illegal markets or used in crimes. Gun owners who fail to report would face financial penalties and, in repeated cases, temporary bans on purchasing new firearms. **Who it affects and key provisions:** This bill primarily affects gun owners. The penalties escalate based on violations: the first failure to report costs up to $1,000; the second violation results in up to $5,000 and a one-year ban on firearm purchases; and subsequent violations carry up to $5,000 and a five-year ban.
The bill also makes it a criminal offense (fine and/or up to one year in prison) to purchase a gun while under an active ban. False reporting is also prohibited. **Current status:** The bill was introduced in the 119th Congress by Democratic Representative Sean Casten of Illinois and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives. No action has been taken to advance it further at this time.
CRS Official Summary
Gun Trafficker Detection ActThis bill requires individual gun owners to report lost or stolen firearms to law enforcement.Specifically, the bill requires gun owners to report a lost or stolen firearm to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) or local law enforcement within 48 hours of discovery. A gun owner who fails to report a lost or stolen firearm is subject to a civil penalty of up to $1,000 for the first violation; a civil penalty of up to $5,000 and a one-year prohibition on receiving a firearm for the second violation; and a civil penalty of up to $5,000 and a five-year prohibition on receiving a firearm for the third or subsequent violation. Further, a gun owner who receives a firearm while subject to a one-year or five-year prohibition on such receipt is subject to criminal penalties—a fine, a prison term of up to one year, or both. Additionally, the bill prohibits making false statements or misrepresentations with respect to the information required in a report of a lost or stolen firearm. A violation is subject to criminal penalties—a fine, a prison term of up to five years, or both. The bill directs the ATF to create a web-based portal where individuals can report lost or stolen firearms. It also requires states to use at least 5% of funds under the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant program to collect and manage data about lost or stolen firearms reported to local law enforcement.
Latest Action
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.