Federal Firearm Licensee Act
Federal Firearm Licensee Act
Plain Language Summary
# Federal Firearm Licensee Act Summary **What the Bill Would Do** The Federal Firearm Licensee Act (HR 2618) would impose new security and recordkeeping requirements on gun dealers, importers, and manufacturers licensed by the federal government. If passed, these businesses would need to implement security plans for their premises, conduct quarterly inventory checks, install video surveillance in sales areas, and run background checks on their employees. The bill would also require these licensed dealers to report any missing, stolen, or unaccounted-for firearms to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and notify the agency about certain firearm transfers that occur before background checks are completed. **Who It Affects and Current Status** The bill directly affects federally licensed firearms dealers, importers, and manufacturers across the country. It also expands the ATF's authority to enforce these new requirements.
The bill was introduced by Rep. Robin Kelly (D-Illinois) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives. No further action has been taken at this time.
CRS Official Summary
Federal Firearm Licensee ActThis bill establishes new security requirements and expands recordkeeping and reporting requirements for federally licensed dealers, importers, and manufacturers of firearms (i.e., federal firearms licensees, or FFLs). The bill also broadens the authority of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to administer federal firearms laws and enforce violations.Specifically, bill requires FFLs to implement and comply with a plan to secure their business premises, conduct quarterly physical checks of their business inventories, maintain video surveillance of the area where firearms are sold or transferred, and initiate firearms-related background checks for employees.Additionally, the bill requires FFLs to report to the ATF any inventory firearm that is lost, stolen, or unaccounted for and to notify the ATF about default-proceed transactions (i.e., allowable firearm transfers to an unlicensed person prior to the completion of a background check when the submitted background check remains incomplete after three business days).Finally, the bill removes limits on the ATF's authority to conduct activities related to the administration of federal firearms laws. It enhances the ATF's inspection authority, including by removing the limit on the number of annual compliance inspections (currently, one), requiring inspections of high-risk FFLs, and authorizing an additional 650 investigators. Finally, the bill directs the ATF to deny an application for a federal firearms license if it would endanger public safety or if the applicant is unlikely to comply with the law.
Latest Action
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.