Us Congress House Bill HB5460

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 9/14/23
• Refer: 9/14/23

Caption

Bolstering Security Against Ghost Guns Act

Impact

The introduction of HB 5460 marks a significant step toward overseeing and regulating ghost guns and unfinished firearm components. By requiring cooperation and information sharing between federal, state, local, Tribal, and territorial entities, the bill seeks to create a unified stance against the potential use of ghost guns in criminal activities, including terrorism and gang violence. This comprehensive approach may tighten existing regulations surrounding firearms and bolster law enforcement operations, helping to mitigate risks associated with untraceable firearms.

Summary

House Bill 5460, titled the Bolstering Security Against Ghost Guns Act, aims to enhance the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) capabilities to address threats posed by ghost guns—firearms that are often assembled from kits and lack serial numbers, making them difficult to trace. The bill mandates the Secretary of Homeland Security to develop a comprehensive departmental strategy within one year of enactment to improve methods for preventing and responding to incidents involving ghost guns that may be related to acts of terrorism or targeted violence.

Contention

While supporters highlight the need for stringent measures against ghost guns to prevent potential terrorism-related incidents, critics of the bill may argue that unnecessary regulations could impact lawful gun ownership and inadvertently reduce access to firearms for responsible citizens. Additionally, concerns about privacy and the efficacy of increased surveillance and law enforcement measures are likely to emerge as potential points of contention during legislative discussions surrounding the bill.