Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress Senate Bill SB298

Introduced
2/7/23  

Caption

Keep Americans Safe Act

Impact

The enactment of SB298 would result in significant changes to federal firearms laws, specifically under Title 18 of the U.S. Code. It would close current loopholes that allow for large capacity magazines to be sold and possessed, thus potentially reducing the lethality of firearms in high-stress situations. This bill also provides provisions for the federal buy-back program to encourage individuals to surrender existing large capacity magazines, which would further decrease their presence in commerce and the general public.

Summary

SB298, titled the 'Keep Americans Safe Act,' seeks to establish comprehensive regulations on large capacity ammunition feeding devices, commonly referred to as high-capacity magazines. This bill explicitly prohibits the importation, sale, manufacture, transfer, or possession of such devices, which are defined as any magazine or similar apparatus that holds more than 10 rounds of ammunition. The aim behind this legislation is to reduce the risk of mass shootings and enhance public safety by limiting the amount of ammunition that can be quickly accessed and fired in succession during violent incidents.

Contention

Throughout discussions on SB298, notable contention has emerged from various stakeholders. Proponents, including some legislators and advocacy groups, support the bill as a necessary step toward curbing gun violence and promoting safer communities. Conversely, opponents argue that the bill infringes on Second Amendment rights and question the effectiveness of restricting magazine capacities. They contend that such regulations may not address the root causes of gun violence and may instead penalize law-abiding citizens without effectively preventing crime.

Companion Bills

US SB25

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.

US HB625

Related Keep Americans Safe Act

US HB698

Related Assault Weapons Ban of 2023

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.