SHORT Act Stop Harassing Owners of Rifles Today Act
Impact
If enacted, SB163 will have a profound impact on state laws governing the ownership and classification of firearms. Specifically, it will preempt existing state and local laws that impose additional licensing or registration requirements on short-barreled rifles and shotguns. Consequently, this might lead to a scenario where states cannot require taxes or additional regulations on these weapons, pushing for a more uniform regulatory framework across federal and state levels.
Summary
Senate Bill 163, titled the 'Stop Harassing Owners of Rifles Today Act' (SHORT Act), proposes significant amendments to the Internal Revenue Code that aim to remove short-barreled rifles and shotguns from the definition of firearms as outlined in the National Firearms Act. This legislative change is aimed at clarifying the status of these weapons and reducing the regulatory burdens placed on their owners by state and local laws. By redefining criteria under which these weapons are classified, the bill seeks to enable greater access and ownership rights for firearms enthusiasts and collectors.
Contention
However, the bill has sparked notable debate amongst legislators and advocacy groups. Proponents argue that this legislation serves to protect the rights of gun owners and eliminate unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles, fostering personal freedom and compliance simplicity. Conversely, opponents express concerns that loosening regulations could exacerbate public safety issues by increasing the accessibility of potentially dangerous firearms. This contention reflects broader discussions on gun control and the balance between personal liberties and community safety.
Related
No Frivolous Application for Short-Barreled Shotguns Act or the NFA SBS Act This bill removes certain short-barreled shotguns from the definition of firearms for purposes of the National Firearms Act. It also eliminates the prohibition on the sale or transportation of such shotguns in interstate commerce and treats persons who acquire or possess a short-barreled shotgun as meeting the registration or licensing requirements for such shotguns where such requirements are determined by reference to the National Firearms Act. The bill preempts state or local laws that impose a tax or recordkeeping requirements on short-barreled shotguns. The Department of Justice must destroy records relating to the registration of shotguns described by this bill within one year after the enactment of this bill.
Related
Home Defense and Competitive Shooting Act of 2023 This bill removes short-barreled rifles (barrels of less than 16 inches in length) from the definition of firearms for purposes of the National Firearms Act. It also eliminates the prohibition on the transportation of such rifles in interstate commerce and treats persons who acquire or possess a short-barreled rifle as meeting the registration or licensing requirements for such rifle where such requirements are determined by reference to the National Firearms Act. The bill preempts state or local laws that impose a tax or recordkeeping requirements on short-barreled rifles. The Department of Justice must destroy records relating to the registration of certain rifles within one year after the enactment of this bill.
Home Defense and Competitive Shooting Act of 2023 This bill removes short-barreled rifles (barrels of less than 16 inches in length) from the definition of firearms for purposes of the National Firearms Act. It also eliminates the prohibition on the transportation of such rifles in interstate commerce and treats persons who acquire or possess a short-barreled rifle as meeting the registration or licensing requirements for such rifle where such requirements are determined by reference to the National Firearms Act. The bill preempts state or local laws that impose a tax or recordkeeping requirements on short-barreled rifles. The Department of Justice must destroy records relating to the registration of certain rifles within one year after the enactment of this bill.
No Frivolous Application for Short-Barreled Shotguns Act or the NFA SBS Act This bill removes certain short-barreled shotguns from the definition of firearms for purposes of the National Firearms Act. It also eliminates the prohibition on the sale or transportation of such shotguns in interstate commerce and treats persons who acquire or possess a short-barreled shotgun as meeting the registration or licensing requirements for such shotguns where such requirements are determined by reference to the National Firearms Act. The bill preempts state or local laws that impose a tax or recordkeeping requirements on short-barreled shotguns. The Department of Justice must destroy records relating to the registration of shotguns described by this bill within one year after the enactment of this bill.
Closing the Bump Stock Loophole Act of 2023 This bill subjects bump stocks to regulation under federal firearms laws. Specifically, the bill adds bump stocks to the list of firearms subject to regulation (e.g., registration and licensing requirements) under the National Firearms Act. Additionally, it includes bump stocks in the list of firearms subject to regulation (e.g., background check requirements) under the Gun Control Act of 1968.