S.1374 - Banning Unlawful Machinegun Parts Act; BUMP Act (119th Congress)
Summary
S.1374, the Banning Unlawful Machinegun Parts Act (BUMP Act), aims to amend Title 18 of the United States Code to prohibit machinegun conversion devices and illegal modifications of semiautomatic firearms. The bill defines 'semiautomatic firearm' and makes it unlawful to import, sell, manufacture, transfer, receive, or possess devices that materially increase the rate of fire of a semiautomatic firearm or approximate the action/rate of fire of a machinegun. It also requires registration of certain modified semiautomatic firearms under the National Firearms Act.
Expected Effects
The BUMP Act will likely reduce the availability of devices that can convert semiautomatic firearms into weapons with a higher rate of fire, effectively regulating modifications that mimic machine guns. This could lead to a decrease in gun violence involving such modified weapons. Registration requirements may also increase compliance and tracking of these firearms.
Potential Benefits
- Reduced availability of devices that increase firearm rate of fire.
- Potential decrease in gun violence involving modified semiautomatic firearms.
- Enhanced regulation and tracking of modified firearms through registration.
- Clarification of the definition of 'semiautomatic firearm'.
- Addresses a gap in existing firearms regulations regarding modification devices.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for legal challenges based on the Second Amendment.
- Increased burden on law-abiding gun owners who may inadvertently possess affected devices.
- Costs associated with registration and enforcement of the new regulations.
- Possible ambiguity in the definition of 'materially increases the rate of fire'.
- May not fully prevent determined individuals from creating or obtaining illegal conversion devices.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's alignment with the Constitution is complex. Proponents might argue it falls under Congress's power to regulate interstate commerce (Article I, Section 8) and promotes public safety. Opponents may argue it infringes upon the Second Amendment right to bear arms. The courts would likely weigh the government's interest in regulating dangerous weapons against individual rights.
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).