If enacted, HB9388 would amend existing firearm regulations under Chapter 44 of Title 18 of the United States Code. This change would centralize authority to prevent any local, state, or federal entity from imposing additional restrictions on handguns that differ from those present in firearms commonly in use. Such a shift could significantly alter the landscape of gun safety laws and potentially lead to an increase in the availability of handguns lacking certain safety features, raising concerns among advocates for gun control and public safety.
Summary
House Bill 9388, titled the 'Modern Firearm Safety Act', seeks to prohibit the imposition of specific safety requirements on handguns that are not commonly found on firearms in general use. This legislation aims to restrict federal and state authorities from enforcing regulations requiring handguns to have certain features, such as loaded indicators, mechanisms that ensure the magazine is inserted, microstamping technology, and other associated safety devices. The focus of the bill is to protect what is described as the civil and natural rights of Americans, particularly in states that enact regulations perceived as limiting those rights.
Contention
The bill is likely to generate significant debate within both legislative and public arenas. Proponents argue that the act strengthens individual freedoms concerning firearms and prevents government overreach into personal rights. Conversely, opponents of HB9388 are likely to express concerns about safety implications, arguing that lack of mandatory safety features could lead to higher incidents of negligent discharges and accidents, particularly in homes with children or non-experienced users. This fundamental disagreement over balancing individual rights with public safety will probably be a focal point in discussions surrounding the bill's progression.