S.1370 - Gas-Operated Semi-Automatic Firearms Exclusion Act; GOSAFE Act (119th Congress)
Summary
The GOSAFE Act (S.1370) aims to restrict the possession of certain firearms by amending Title 18 of the United States Code. It defines 'semi-automatic firearm' and 'gas-operated' in detail, establishing prohibitions on specific firearms and large capacity ammunition feeding devices.
The bill introduces a process for determining prohibited firearms, including applications for approval of firearm designs and appeals. It also provides for Byrne grants to be used for buy-back programs for gas-operated semi-automatic firearms and large capacity ammunition feeding devices.
Penalties are specified for violations of the act, and a Firearm Safety Trust Fund is established to support its implementation.
Expected Effects
The GOSAFE Act, if enacted, would significantly restrict the availability and possession of certain types of firearms, particularly gas-operated semi-automatic firearms and large capacity ammunition feeding devices. This would likely lead to a decrease in the number of these types of firearms in circulation.
Manufacturers would face new regulations and approval processes for firearm designs. The Act could also lead to increased costs for gun owners due to the buy-back programs and potential restrictions on firearm modifications.
Furthermore, the Act could face legal challenges based on Second Amendment grounds.
Potential Benefits
Here are some potential benefits of the GOSAFE Act:
* Reduced Gun Violence: By restricting access to certain types of firearms, the bill aims to reduce gun violence and mass shootings.
* Increased Public Safety: Removing gas-operated semi-automatic firearms from circulation could lead to a safer environment for the general public.
* Regulation of Firearm Modifications: The bill addresses modifications that increase the rate of fire, potentially preventing the creation of more dangerous weapons.
* Funding for Buy-Back Programs: The Act allocates resources for buy-back programs, providing a means for individuals to voluntarily surrender these firearms.
* Enhanced Scrutiny of New Firearm Designs: The approval process for new semi-automatic firearms could prevent dangerous designs from entering the market.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
Here are some potential disadvantages of the GOSAFE Act:
* Second Amendment Concerns: The restrictions on firearm possession could be challenged as infringing on the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens.
* Impact on Gun Owners: The bill could negatively impact gun owners who use these firearms for sport shooting, hunting, or self-defense.
* Increased Costs: The buy-back programs and regulatory processes could impose additional costs on taxpayers and the firearms industry.
* Difficulty in Enforcement: Defining and identifying prohibited firearms and modifications could be challenging and lead to inconsistent enforcement.
* Potential for Black Market: Restrictions could drive demand for these firearms into the black market, making them more difficult to regulate.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The GOSAFE Act's constitutional alignment is complex, particularly concerning the Second Amendment, which protects the right to bear arms. The Supreme Court has affirmed this right but has also acknowledged the government's power to regulate firearms.
The Act's restrictions on certain types of firearms and large capacity ammunition feeding devices could be viewed as infringing on this right. However, proponents may argue that these restrictions are necessary for public safety and fall within the scope of permissible regulations.
The Act also touches on issues related to due process (Fifth Amendment) through its regulatory framework and potential penalties, requiring careful consideration to ensure fairness and transparency.
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).