Us Congress House Bill HB4191

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/15/23
• Refer: 6/15/23

Caption

Disarming Felons Act

Impact

The implementation of HB4191 would amend sections of Title 18 of the United States Code, primarily sections 922(d) and 922(g). By explicitly stating the conditions under which individuals are prohibited from firearm possession and transfer, this bill creates a clearer framework for law enforcement agencies when evaluating firearm eligibility. Such changes would likely impact not only the individuals directly affected by the bill but also the broader community's gun safety standards and regulations, reinforcing the notion that past serious juvenile offenses should carry lasting consequences with respect to gun ownership.

Summary

House Bill 4191, known as the Disarming Felons Act, seeks to address issues of firearm possession by individuals who have committed serious offenses as juveniles. Specifically, the bill prohibits the transfer or possession of firearms by adults who, while they were between the ages of 15 and 18, committed acts of juvenile delinquency that would qualify as felonies if they were perpetrated by adults. This legislation aims to enhance public safety by ensuring that those with a serious criminal history during their formative years are restricted from accessing firearms in adulthood.

Contention

The bill may face opposition based on various ideological grounds, particularly regarding the fairness of penalizing individuals for actions taken during their youth. Critics might argue that juvenile offenses should not permanently impair an individual's rights as an adult, especially considering the potential for rehabilitation and change. There is also likely to be debate surrounding the effectiveness of such legislation in actually reducing gun violence, as opponents may point to the complexities surrounding the correlation between juvenile delinquency and future criminal behavior.