H.R.1097 - Safety Enhancements for Communities Using Reasonable and Effective Firearm Storage Act; SECURE Firearm Storage Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 1097, the "Safety Enhancements for Communities Using Reasonable and Effective Firearm Storage Act" or the "SECURE Firearm Storage Act," aims to reduce firearm theft and enhance community safety by imposing security requirements on federally licensed firearms importers, manufacturers, and dealers. The bill amends Title 18 of the United States Code, mandating secure storage of firearms inventory, business records, and business premises. It also outlines penalties for non-compliance, including civil penalties, license suspension, and revocation.
Expected Effects
The bill will likely increase the operational costs for federally licensed firearms businesses due to the mandated security measures. It may also reduce the number of firearms stolen from these businesses, potentially decreasing the availability of illegally obtained firearms. The Act also empowers the Attorney General to prescribe additional security requirements.
Potential Benefits
- Reduced firearm theft from licensed dealers, leading to fewer guns on the streets.
- Enhanced community safety due to decreased availability of stolen firearms.
- Increased accountability for licensed firearms dealers regarding security measures.
- Standardized security protocols across federally licensed firearms businesses.
- Potential for additional security measures prescribed by the Attorney General to further reduce theft.
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased operational costs for licensed firearms dealers, potentially leading to higher prices for consumers.
- Potential for small businesses to struggle with the financial burden of implementing the required security measures.
- Possible delays in accessing firearms inventory due to stricter storage protocols.
- Increased administrative burden for the Attorney General's office to oversee and enforce the new regulations.
- Potential for legal challenges from firearms businesses arguing against the necessity or constitutionality of the regulations.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's constitutional alignment is complex. While it does not directly infringe upon the Second Amendment rights of individuals to keep and bear arms, it does impose regulations on federally licensed firearms dealers. The constitutionality of such regulations hinges on whether they are deemed reasonable and do not unduly burden the right to bear arms. The government's power to regulate interstate commerce (Article I, Section 8) could be invoked to justify federal oversight of licensed firearms businesses.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).