Summary#
This bill, the GOSAFE Act, would add new definitions and rules to federal criminal code about certain semi-automatic firearms and large-capacity ammunition feeding devices. It defines "gas-operated semi-automatic firearms" by how they use gas or recoil to cycle the action. The bill would make it illegal to import, sell, manufacture, transfer, receive, or possess those firearms or large-capacity feeding devices in interstate or foreign commerce, except for specific exemptions. Exemptions include certain .22 rimfire guns, many shotguns and some rifles and handguns by type, some government and agency uses, and firearms lawfully manufactured and transferred before enactment. The bill requires the Attorney General, through the ATF, to publish a list of prohibited gas-operated semi-automatic firearms and to review new firearm designs before civilian manufacture. It creates application and appeal processes for manufacturers, requires marking by licensed importers and manufacturers, sets deadlines for agency action, and establishes a Firearm Safety Trust Fund to receive certain taxes and fees. The bill also allows Byrne grant funds to be used for buy-back program compensation and sets criminal penalties for violations.
What it means for you#
- If a firearm or magazine meets the bill's definition of a prohibited gas-operated semi-automatic firearm or is a large-capacity feeding device made after enactment, it would generally be unlawful to import, sell, make, transfer, receive, or possess it in interstate or foreign commerce.
- Owners who lawfully possessed covered firearms or magazines before enactment have narrow transfer options and some grandfathering; transfers to immediate family are allowed only after a licensed dealer takes possession and follows required procedures.
- Licensed manufacturers must apply to the ATF for approval of new semi-automatic firearm designs before civilian manufacture, and licensed importers/manufacturers must mark certain covered items as the ATF prescribes.
- The ATF must publish and update a list of prohibited gas-operated semi-automatic firearms and may remove items only after a review process. Manufacturers have appeal and judicial review options if denied.
- Criminal penalties for violating the prohibitions include fines and potential imprisonment; enhanced penalties apply if a person commits another felony while possessing a prohibited firearm.
Expenses#
- The bill authorizes the Attorney General to set fees for manufacturer applications and to deposit certain taxes and fees into a new Firearm Safety Trust Fund. That fund would receive all taxes collected by the ATF under chapter 53 of the Internal Revenue Code and any fees collected for approvals, and amounts would remain available until expended.
- The bill amends Byrne grant allowed uses to permit compensation in buy-back programs for the covered firearms and feeding devices.
- There is a provision authorizing "such sums as may be necessary" to carry out the new ATF responsibilities in section 935.
- No publicly available information on estimated total costs or budgetary effects is included in the bill text provided.
Proponents' View#
No publicly available information.
Opponents' View#
No publicly available information.