House BillHR 1456Civil actions and liabilityFirearms and explosives
Gun Trafficker Detection Act
INTRO FEB 21· LAST ACTION FEB 21
READING
5MIN
COSPONSORS
23
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8
Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-written
This bill matters because it aims to reduce the number of illegally trafficked firearms by creating a mandatory reporting system for lost or stolen guns. If a firearm is promptly reported missing, law enforcement can more quickly trace it if it's later used in a crime, potentially helping to identify gun traffickers and prevent guns from entering the illegal market. This could lead to a decrease in gun violence and other crimes that rely on diverted firearms.
For gun owners, it introduces a new legal responsibility and potential penalties, which could be seen as an additional burden or as a necessary step to promote responsible gun ownership. If the bill becomes law, gun owners would need to be vigilant about securing their firearms and reporting any loss or theft quickly to avoid fines or temporary prohibitions on firearm purchases. If it doesn't become law, the current patchwork of state and local reporting laws for lost or stolen firearms would remain, without a federal mandate or uniform system.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extracted
PROVISION 01
Requires individuals not licensed as firearm dealers to report lost or stolen firearms to law enforcement within 48 hours of discovery.
This provision creates a federal standard for reporting missing firearms, aiming to help authorities track guns that might be diverted to illegal markets.
PROVISION 02
Establishes civil money penalties of up to $1,000 for a first offense and up to $5,000 for subsequent offenses for failing to report lost or stolen firearms.
These penalties provide a direct consequence for non-compliance, encouraging gun owners to adhere to the reporting requirement.
PROVISION 03
Prohibits a person from receiving a firearm for one year after a second civil penalty, and for five years after a third civil penalty, for failure to report.
This provision creates a more significant deterrent for repeat non-compliance, aiming to encourage consistent reporting by restricting future firearm acquisition.
PROVISION 04
Directs the Attorney General to create a web portal for reporting lost or stolen firearms and to update the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) to reflect new prohibitions.
The web portal offers a standardized, accessible method for reporting, while NICS updates ensure that background checks incorporate the new restrictions on firearm receipt.
PROVISION 05
Requires states receiving certain federal grants for crime control to use at least 5% of the funds to study and implement data management for lost or stolen firearms.
This encourages states to improve their ability to track and manage data related to missing firearms, enhancing overall law enforcement effectiveness.
This bill matters because it aims to reduce the number of illegally trafficked firearms by creating a mandatory reporting system for lost or stolen guns. If a firearm is promptly reported missing, law enforcement can more quickly trace it if it's later used in a crime, potentially helping to identify gun traffickers and prevent guns from entering the illegal market. This could lead to a decrease in gun violence and other crimes that rely on diverted firearms.
For gun owners, it introduces a new legal responsibility and potential penalties, which could be seen as an additional burden or as a necessary step to promote responsible gun ownership. If the bill becomes law, gun owners would need to be vigilant about securing their firearms and reporting any loss or theft quickly to avoid fines or temporary prohibitions on firearm purchases. If it doesn't become law, the current patchwork of state and local reporting laws for lost or stolen firearms would remain, without a federal mandate or uniform system.
KEY PROVISIONS
AI-extracted
high
Requires individuals not licensed as firearm dealers to report lost or stolen firearms to law enforcement within 48 hours of discovery.
This provision creates a federal standard for reporting missing firearms, aiming to help authorities track guns that might be diverted to illegal markets.
high
Establishes civil money penalties of up to $1,000 for a first offense and up to $5,000 for subsequent offenses for failing to report lost or stolen firearms.
These penalties provide a direct consequence for non-compliance, encouraging gun owners to adhere to the reporting requirement.
high
Prohibits a person from receiving a firearm for one year after a second civil penalty, and for five years after a third civil penalty, for failure to report.
This provision creates a more significant deterrent for repeat non-compliance, aiming to encourage consistent reporting by restricting future firearm acquisition.
med
Directs the Attorney General to create a web portal for reporting lost or stolen firearms and to update the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) to reflect new prohibitions.
The web portal offers a standardized, accessible method for reporting, while NICS updates ensure that background checks incorporate the new restrictions on firearm receipt.
med
Requires states receiving certain federal grants for crime control to use at least 5% of the funds to study and implement data management for lost or stolen firearms.
This encourages states to improve their ability to track and manage data related to missing firearms, enhancing overall law enforcement effectiveness.
Attorney General to create a web-based electronic portal for reporting lost/stolen firearms.
Within 6 months after the date of enactment
Attorney General to promulgate rules to ensure the national instant criminal background check system (NICS) accounts for new prohibitions and that licensed dealers provide notice of penalties.
Person not licensed under chapter 44 of title 18, United States Code, for a first violation of failing to report a lost or stolen firearm.
civil
Not more than $5,000
Person not licensed under chapter 44 of title 18, United States Code, for a second or subsequent violation of failing to report a lost or stolen firearm.
administrative
Prohibition on receiving a firearm during the 1-year period
Person who has been twice assessed a civil money penalty for failing to report a lost or stolen firearm.
administrative
Prohibition on receiving a firearm during the 5-year period
Person who has been thrice assessed a civil money penalty for failing to report a lost or stolen firearm.
criminal
As per section 924(a)(1) of title 18, United States Code (fines and/or imprisonment up to 5 years)
Any person who knowingly makes a false statement or representation in reporting a lost or stolen firearm.
GLOSSARY
AI-written
Firearm
A weapon designed to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive; includes pistols, revolvers, rifles, shotguns, and other similar devices.
Law enforcement authorities
Government agencies and personnel (like police departments or federal agents) responsible for enforcing laws and maintaining public order.
Attorney General
The head of the U.S. Department of Justice, serving as the chief law enforcement officer and legal advisor to the federal government.
National Crime Information Center (NCIC)
A computerized database maintained by the FBI that stores criminal justice information, including records on stolen property, wanted persons, and missing persons, accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide.
National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS)
A system used by licensed firearm dealers to check if a prospective buyer is legally prohibited from owning firearms before completing a sale.
Civil money penalty
A financial punishment imposed by a government agency for violating a law or regulation, typically not involving criminal charges or imprisonment.
