S.2155 - Keeping Gun Dealers Honest Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
S.2155, the Keeping Gun Dealers Honest Act of 2025, aims to increase accountability among licensed firearms dealers. The bill proposes several amendments to Title 18 of the United States Code, focusing on compliance inspections, penalties for violations, and record-keeping offenses. It also addresses license suspensions, civil penalties, and the termination of licenses upon felony convictions.
Expected Effects
The likely effect of this bill is increased scrutiny and stricter enforcement of regulations for firearms dealers. This could lead to a reduction in illegal gun trafficking and improved public safety. However, it may also create additional burdens for licensed dealers, potentially impacting their businesses.
Potential Benefits
- Reduced Gun Trafficking: Stricter penalties for record-keeping offenses related to illegal firearms transfers.
- Increased Accountability: More frequent compliance inspections of firearms dealers.
- Enhanced Public Safety: Suspension of licenses for dealers who violate gun control laws.
- Improved Oversight: Authority for the Attorney General to require physical inventories under certain conditions.
- Additional Resources: Hiring of additional ATF personnel to conduct inspections.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased Burden on Dealers: More frequent inspections and stricter penalties may create compliance challenges.
- Potential for Abuse: Broadened authority for the Attorney General to deny or revoke licenses could be misused.
- Economic Impact: Increased compliance costs may negatively affect small firearms businesses.
- Possible Litigation: Expanded regulatory powers could lead to legal challenges from firearms dealers.
- Unintended Consequences: Overly strict regulations could drive dealers out of business, potentially reducing legal avenues for firearm sales.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's alignment with the Constitution is complex. While it aims to regulate firearms, which implicates the Second Amendment, the regulations primarily target licensed dealers and aim to prevent illegal gun trafficking. The bill also includes provisions for due process, such as notice and opportunity for a hearing before license suspension or revocation, aligning with the Fifth Amendment. However, the expansion of regulatory powers could raise concerns about potential infringements on the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens.
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).