Gun Violence Prevention and Community Safety Act of 2023
Impact
Should the bill become law, it would significantly reshape existing federal firearms regulations. The introduction of a federal firearms license would require prospective gun owners to undergo a standardized vetting process, while the new universal background checks would close loopholes currently exploited during private sales and gun shows. Furthermore, provisions aimed at securing firearms in homes, especially in households with dangerous individuals, would help prevent unauthorized access and potential tragedies related to domestic violence or accidental discharges.
Summary
House Bill 6596, also known as the Gun Violence Prevention and Community Safety Act of 2023, aims to address the increasing concerns surrounding gun violence in the United States. This comprehensive legislation proposes several key reforms including the establishment of federal firearms licensing, mandating universal background checks for all firearm transactions, and introducing regulation on firearms storage. By requiring licensed dealers to maintain detailed records and conduct thorough background checks, proponents of the bill aim to enhance public safety and reduce the incidence of firearm-related incidents.
Contention
However, HB 6596 is not without its critics. Opponents argue that the proposed measures might infringe on constitutional rights and lead to excessive government overreach. Some contend that universal background checks could create bureaucratic hurdles that legitimate gun owners have to navigate, potentially undermining the right to bear arms. Moreover, there are concerns about the practical implementation of the regulations pertaining to 'ghost guns' and firearm accessories, which some fear could unfairly target responsible gun users while failing to adequately address the root causes of gun violence.
Related
Assault Weapons Ban of 2023 This bill makes it a crime to knowingly import, sell, manufacture, transfer, or possess a semiautomatic assault weapon (SAW) or large capacity ammunition feeding device (LCAFD). The prohibition does not apply to a firearm that is (1) manually operated by bolt, pump, lever, or slide action, except for certain shotguns; (2) permanently inoperable; (3) an antique; (4) only capable of firing rimfire ammunition; or (5) a rifle or shotgun specifically identified by make and model. The bill also exempts from the prohibition the following, with respect to a SAW or LCAFD: importation, sale, manufacture, transfer, or possession related to certain law enforcement efforts, or authorized tests or experiments; importation, sale, transfer, or possession related to securing nuclear materials; and possession by a retired law enforcement officer. The bill permits continued possession, sale, or transfer of a grandfathered SAW, which must be securely stored. A licensed gun dealer must conduct a background check prior to the sale or transfer of a grandfathered SAW between private parties. The bill permits continued possession of, but prohibits sale or transfer of, a grandfathered LCAFD. Newly manufactured LCAFDs must display serial number identification. Newly manufactured SAWs and LCAFDs must display the date of manufacture. The bill also allows a state or local government to use Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program funds to compensate individuals who surrender a SAW or LCAFD under a buy-back program.
Assault Weapons Ban of 2023 This bill makes it a crime to knowingly import, sell, manufacture, transfer, or possess a semiautomatic assault weapon (SAW) or large capacity ammunition feeding device (LCAFD). The prohibition does not apply to a firearm that is (1) manually operated by bolt, pump, lever, or slide action, except for certain shotguns; (2) permanently inoperable; (3) an antique; (4) only capable of firing rimfire ammunition; or (5) a rifle or shotgun specifically identified by make and model. The bill also exempts from the prohibition the following, with respect to a SAW or LCAFD: importation, sale, manufacture, transfer, or possession related to certain law enforcement efforts, or authorized tests or experiments; importation, sale, transfer, or possession related to securing nuclear materials; and possession by a retired law enforcement officer. The bill permits continued possession, sale, or transfer of a grandfathered SAW, which must be securely stored. A licensed gun dealer must conduct a background check prior to the sale or transfer of a grandfathered SAW between private parties. The bill permits continued possession of, but prohibits sale or transfer of, a grandfathered LCAFD. Newly manufactured LCAFDs must display serial number identification. Newly manufactured SAWs and LCAFDs must display the date of manufacture. The bill also allows a state or local government to use Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program funds to compensate individuals who surrender a SAW or LCAFD under a buy-back program.
To provide for the reform and continuation of agricultural and other programs of the Department of Agriculture through fiscal year 2029, and for other purposes.