Bill Summary
The proposed legislation, titled the "No Retaining Every Gun In a System That Restricts Your Rights Act," aims to amend Title 18 of the United States Code regarding the management of firearm transaction records. Specifically, it seeks to eliminate the federal government's collection of records from firearms businesses that have ceased operations and mandates the destruction of any existing records from these businesses.
Key provisions include:
1. **Destruction of Records**: The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is required to destroy all firearm transaction records from discontinued firearms businesses within 90 days of the law's enactment.
2. **Amendment of Existing Law**: The legislation proposes changes to Section 923(g)(4) of Title 18, removing specific sentences that allow for the retention of these records, therefore preventing future registration of firearms linked to non-operational businesses.
3. **Congressional Reporting**: The ATF must report to Congress on the number of records destroyed, ensuring transparency and accountability regarding the implementation of this Act.
Overall, the legislation is designed to enhance individual rights by limiting government retention of firearm transaction information from businesses that are no longer in operation.
Possible Impacts
The proposed legislation, known as the "No Retaining Every Gun In a System That Restricts Your Rights Act," seeks to eliminate the collection of firearm transaction records from discontinued firearms businesses and mandates the destruction of existing records. Here are three examples of how this legislation could affect people:
1. **Enhanced Privacy for Gun Owners**: By discontinuing the collection of firearm transaction records, individuals who purchase firearms from businesses that have ceased operations may experience an increased sense of privacy. This could alleviate concerns about government tracking of personal firearm ownership, as records would no longer exist that could link them to past purchases.
2. **Impact on Law Enforcement Efforts**: The destruction of transaction records may hinder law enforcement's ability to trace firearms used in crimes back to their original purchasers. This could make it more challenging for authorities to solve gun-related crimes, potentially leading to an increase in gun violence or difficulty in prosecuting offenders who use illegally obtained or stolen firearms.
3. **Market Dynamics for Firearms Businesses**: The legislation might influence the behavior of firearms businesses and their customers. With the removal of record-keeping requirements for discontinued businesses, current firearm retailers may feel less burdened by regulatory oversight, possibly encouraging more entrepreneurs to enter the market. Conversely, there may be concerns among consumers regarding the accountability and reliability of businesses that do not maintain records, potentially affecting purchasing decisions.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 563 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 563
To amend title 18, United States Code, to discontinue the collection by
the Federal Government of firearm transaction records of discontinued
firearms businesses, to require the destruction of such already
collected records, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
January 20, 2025
Mr. Cloud (for himself, Mr. Williams of Texas, Mr. Harris of North
Carolina, Mr. Fleischmann, Mr. Jackson of Texas, Mr. Burlison, Mr.
Fulcher, Mr. Perry, Mr. Feenstra, Mr. Moolenaar, Mr. Estes, Mr. Moore
of Alabama, Mr. Roy, Mr. Hudson, Mr. Rutherford, Mr. Sessions, Mr.
DesJarlais, Mr. LaMalfa, Mr. Johnson of South Dakota, Mr. Cline, Mr.
Nehls, Mr. Massie, Mr. Timmons, Mr. Weber of Texas, Mr. Bean of
Florida, Mr. Self, Mr. Davidson, Mr. Mann, Mr. Green of Tennessee, Mr.
Thompson of Pennsylvania, Mr. Rulli, Mrs. Harshbarger, Mr. Bost, Mr.
Dunn of Florida, Mr. Grothman, Mr. Crenshaw, Mrs. Luna, Mr. Moore of
West Virginia, Mr. Strong, Mr. Donalds, Mr. Fallon, Mr. Gooden, Mr.
Rose, Mr. Harris of Maryland, Ms. Tenney, Mr. Clyde, Mr. Ogles, Ms.
Hageman, Mr. Higgins of Louisiana, Mr. Fry, and Mr. Brecheen)
introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on
the Judiciary
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To amend title 18, United States Code, to discontinue the collection by
the Federal Government of firearm transaction records of discontinued
firearms businesses, to require the destruction of such already
collected records, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``No Retaining Every Gun In a System
That Restricts Your Rights Act''.
SEC. 2. DESTRUCTION OF BUREAU OF ALCOHOL, TOBACCO, FIREARMS AND
EXPLOSIVES FIREARM TRANSACTION RECORDS OF DISCONTINUED
FIREARMS BUSINESSES.
(a) In General.--Within 90 days after the date of the enactment of
this Act, the Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and
Explosives shall destroy all firearm transaction records delivered to
the Attorney General pursuant to section 923(g)(4) of title 18, United
States Code.
(b) Preventing Future Firearm Registration.--Section 923(g)(4) of
title 18, United States Code, is amended by striking the 2nd and 3rd
sentences.
SEC. 3. REPORT TO THE CONGRESS.
The Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and
Explosives shall submit to the Congress a written report that specifies
the number of firearm transaction records destroyed pursuant to section
2(a).
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