Closing the Bump Stock Loophole Act of 2023

Closing the Bump Stock Loophole Act of 2023

This bill subjects bump stocks to regulation under federal firearms laws.

Specifically, the bill adds bump stocks to the list of firearms subject to regulation (e.g., registration and licensing requirements) under the National Firearms Act. Additionally, it includes bump stocks in the list of firearms subject to regulation (e.g., background check requirements) under the Gun Control Act of 1968.

Bill 118 HR 396, also known as the Closing the Bump Stock Loophole Act of 2023, aims to address the issue of bump stocks, which are devices that can be attached to semi-automatic firearms to increase their rate of fire. The bill seeks to close the loophole that currently allows individuals to legally purchase and possess bump stocks, despite the fact that they can effectively turn a semi-automatic weapon into an automatic one.

If passed, the bill would make it illegal to manufacture, sell, or possess bump stocks. It would also require individuals who currently own bump stocks to turn them in to law enforcement or destroy them within a specified timeframe. Failure to comply with these requirements could result in criminal penalties.

Supporters of the bill argue that banning bump stocks is a common-sense measure to prevent gun violence and mass shootings, as these devices have been used in several high-profile incidents in recent years. They believe that closing this loophole will help to make our communities safer. Opponents of the bill, on the other hand, argue that it infringes on the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding gun owners. They contend that bump stocks are not the root cause of gun violence and that banning them will not effectively address the issue. Overall, the Closing the Bump Stock Loophole Act of 2023 is a controversial piece of legislation that has sparked debate on both sides of the political spectrum. Its fate in Congress remains uncertain as lawmakers continue to weigh the potential benefits and drawbacks of enacting such a law.