This measure adds new definitions and rules to title 18 of the United States Code about certain semi-automatic firearms and high-capacity ammunition feeding devices. It defines "gas-operated semi-automatic firearms" broadly to include pistons, gas-impingement, blowback, and recoil systems that use firing energy to cycle the action. It defines "large capacity ammunition feeding device" as magazines or similar devices that can hold more than 10 rounds (with some caliber and fixed-magazine exceptions).
The text makes it illegal, with some exceptions, to import, sell, manufacture, transfer, receive, or possess firearms, parts, or devices that are on a prohibited list or that are designed or function to convert a firearm into a prohibited gas-operated semi-automatic firearm. It also makes it unlawful to import, sell, manufacture, transfer, receive, or possess large-capacity feeding devices made after enactment, and it bans interstate transfers of such devices made before enactment.
The Attorney General, through the Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), must publish a list of prohibited gas-operated semi-automatic firearms within 180 days and keep it updated. Licensed manufacturers must apply for approval if they design a new semi-automatic firearm after enactment; the Attorney General must decide on applications within 240 days. The text requires fees for applications, creates a Firearm Safety Trust Fund to receive certain taxes and fees, and authorizes appropriations needed to carry out these tasks.
The measure allows some exemptions: federal, State, and tribal departments and certain nuclear licensee security programs; firearms lawfully manufactured and transferred before enactment; and limited transfers to immediate family under specified procedures. It also allows certain types of firearms and actions to be excluded from the definition, such as some .22 rimfire guns, specific single-shot or low-capacity firearms, some bolt/lever/pump actions, and handguns that use recoil to cycle.
The measure permits use of Byrne grant funds for buy-back programs to compensate for surrendered covered firearms and feeding devices. It sets criminal penalties for violations, including fines and jail time, and adds tougher penalties when a prohibited firearm possession is combined with a serious federal offense.
No publicly available information on total federal costs. The text requires the Attorney General to set application fees for manufacturers and creates a Firearm Safety Trust Fund to receive certain taxes and those fees. It also authorizes appropriations as needed to carry out the new requirements.
No publicly available information.
No publicly available information.