Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB2618

Introduced
4/3/25  

Caption

Federal Firearm Licensee Act

Impact

The bill has significant implications for state laws concerning firearm sales, as it emphasizes stricter oversight of transactions and increases the burdens associated with licensing. Notably, the legislation introduces penalties for licensed dealers who fail to conduct background checks, which some proponents argue could reduce gun violence and improve public safety. Detractors, however, view these measures as a potential infringement on individual rights and the Second Amendment, arguing they may impose undue burdens on lawful dealers and gun owners.

Summary

House Bill 2618, titled the Federal Firearm Licensee Act, seeks to modernize the framework governing the sale and transfer of firearms in the U.S. Through amendments to existing laws, the bill reinforces the requirement for background checks before firearm transactions, expands licensing requirements for facilitators of firearms exchanges, and raises penalties for non-compliance with these regulations. By mandating comprehensive electronic record-keeping for licensed dealers, it aims to enhance accountability and streamline compliance.

Contention

Some points of contention surrounding HB 2618 include concerns regarding the ability of local and state governments to enforce their own regulations on firearms, especially in places with more stringent laws than those established federally. Advocacy groups have raised issues regarding the imposition of heavy fees and the rigorous compliance measures that may lead to the closure of small businesses in the firearms industry. The debate also extends to privacy rights linked to record-keeping, with critics claiming that excessive data retention by the government could create security vulnerabilities and violate individual privacy rights.

Congress_id

119-HR-2618

Policy_area

Crime and Law Enforcement

Introduced_date

2025-04-03

Companion Bills

US SB1294

Same As Federal Firearm Licensee Act

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