If enacted, SB761 would lead to the implementation of broad sanctions against individuals and entities involved in forced organ harvesting and trafficking. The bill mandates the President to compile a list of individuals who facilitate these activities, enabling the U.S. government to impose property blocking measures and restrictions on their admissibility into the United States. This is intended to deter individuals involved in these trades while also making a strong diplomatic statement about human rights violations occurring on an international scale.
Summary
SB761, known as the Stop Forced Organ Harvesting Act of 2023, aims to address and combat the egregious violations associated with forced organ harvesting and trafficking in persons for the purpose of organ removal. The bill articulates a clear policy statement that emphasizes the United States' commitment to fighting international trafficking related to organ removal, promoting voluntary organ donation systems, and holding accountable individuals and state actors, particularly members of the Chinese Communist Party, implicated in such nefarious activities.
Contention
The discussions surrounding this bill suggest that it is likely to ignite debates around issues of sovereignty and the lengths to which the U.S. should go to enforce international human rights standards. Proponents argue that it is essential to address the atrocities of forced organ harvesting, primarily alleged to occur in certain countries, while critics may contend that the law could infringe on diplomatic relations or raise concerns over the efficacy of sanctions in changing the behaviors of more entrenched political entities. Overall, the passage of SB761 could signal a significant stance on human rights from the U.S. government.
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.