Home Defense and Competitive Shooting Act of 2023

Home Defense and Competitive Shooting Act of 2023

This bill removes short-barreled rifles (barrels of less than 16 inches in length) from the definition of firearms for purposes of the National Firearms Act. It also eliminates the prohibition on the transportation of such rifles in interstate commerce and treats persons who acquire or possess a short-barreled rifle as meeting the registration or licensing requirements for such rifle where such requirements are determined by reference to the National Firearms Act.

The bill preempts state or local laws that impose a tax or recordkeeping requirements on short-barreled rifles.

The Department of Justice must destroy records relating to the registration of  certain rifles within one year after the enactment of this bill.

Bill 118 hr 173, also known as the Home Defense and Competitive Shooting Act of 2023, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The main purpose of this bill is to amend the National Firearms Act to remove restrictions on the possession and transfer of certain firearms and ammunition.

Specifically, the bill aims to remove the requirement for individuals to register certain firearms, such as short-barreled rifles and shotguns, with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). It also seeks to eliminate the $200 tax on the transfer of these firearms.

Additionally, the Home Defense and Competitive Shooting Act of 2023 would make it easier for individuals to purchase and possess suppressors, also known as silencers, by removing them from the list of items regulated under the National Firearms Act. Supporters of the bill argue that these changes would make it easier for law-abiding citizens to exercise their Second Amendment rights to self-defense and participate in competitive shooting sports. They believe that the current restrictions on these firearms and accessories are unnecessary and burdensome. Opponents of the bill, however, express concerns about the potential impact of loosening regulations on firearms and suppressors. They argue that these changes could make it easier for dangerous individuals to obtain and use these weapons, potentially leading to an increase in gun violence. Overall, the Home Defense and Competitive Shooting Act of 2023 is a controversial piece of legislation that has sparked debate among lawmakers and the public. Its fate in Congress remains uncertain as it continues to be reviewed and discussed.