Ghost Guns and Untraceable Firearms Act of 2023
If enacted, HB 4679 will impose significant restrictions on the manufacture, sale, and possession of untraceable firearms and the components needed to create them. Under this bill, it will be unlawful for individuals, other than licensed manufacturers, to engage in the manufacturing of ghost guns or transfer ownership of such firearms within interstate commerce. Additionally, the bill provides specifications on what constitutes the key components of firearms while strengthening the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives' (ATF) authority to regulate these firearms. Furthermore, this legislation is anticipated to enhance law enforcement's capacity to trace firearms used in crimes, promoting public safety and accountability.
House Bill 4679, titled the 'Ghost Guns and Untraceable Firearms Act of 2023', seeks to amend chapter 44 of title 18, United States Code, to ensure that all firearms are traceable. The bill defines ghost guns as firearms, including frames and receivers, that lack a unique serial number engraved by a licensed manufacturer. This amendment is aimed at clarifying existing regulations around ghost guns and changing how they are defined by law. The bill aims to address the increasing concern over firearms that can be easily assembled without regulation or traceability.
Opposition to HB 4679 is expected primarily from gun rights advocates and some manufacturers who argue that the bill could place unnecessary burdens on law-abiding citizens and impede access to firearms. Critics of the bill argue that many legal and responsible firearm owners will be negatively impacted, suggesting that the regulations may stifle innovation in firearm technology while failing to address the root causes of gun violence. Proponents, however, maintain that stricter regulations on ghost guns are crucial to preventing illegal firearms from entering the market, thereby enhancing overall safety for communities. The conversations surrounding this bill reflect a broader national debate on gun control measures and the balance between personal rights and public safety.