Safer Neighborhoods Gun Buyback Act of 2023

12/17/2024, 9:05 AM

Summary of Bill HR 1361

Bill 118 hr 1361, also known as the Safer Neighborhoods Gun Buyback Act of 2023, aims to address gun violence in communities across the United States by establishing a grant program to support local gun buyback initiatives. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on March 15, 2023.

Under the provisions of the bill, the Department of Justice would be authorized to award grants to state, local, and tribal governments, as well as non-profit organizations, to fund gun buyback programs. These programs would allow individuals to voluntarily surrender their firearms in exchange for monetary compensation, with the goal of reducing the number of guns in circulation and preventing them from falling into the wrong hands.

The bill also includes provisions to ensure that the firearms collected through these buyback programs are properly disposed of in accordance with federal and state laws. Additionally, the Department of Justice would be required to report to Congress on the effectiveness of the grant program in reducing gun violence and improving public safety. Overall, the Safer Neighborhoods Gun Buyback Act of 2023 seeks to provide resources and support to communities looking to address the issue of gun violence through voluntary gun buyback programs. By incentivizing individuals to turn in their firearms, the bill aims to make neighborhoods safer and reduce the risk of gun-related incidents.

Congressional Summary of HR 1361

Safer Neighborhoods Gun Buyback Act of 2023

This bill authorizes the Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) to make grants to states, local governments, or gun dealers to conduct gun buyback programs. The BJA may distribute smart prepaid cards for use by a state, local government, or gun dealer to compensate individuals who dispose of firearms.

Additionally, the bill establishes a new criminal offense for using or accepting a smart prepaid card in the acquisition or transfer of a firearm or ammunition. A violator is subject to a fine, up to two years in prison, or both.

Current Status of Bill HR 1361

Bill HR 1361 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since March 3, 2023. Bill HR 1361 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the House on March 3, 2023.  Bill HR 1361's most recent activity was ASSUMING FIRST SPONSORSHIP - Mrs. McIver asked unanimous consent that she may hereafter be considered as the first sponsor of H.R. 1361, a bill originally introduced by Representative Payne, for the purpose of adding cosponsors and requesting reprintings pursuant to clause 7 of rule XII. Agreed to without objection. as of December 16, 2024

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 1361

Total Number of Sponsors
2
Democrat Sponsors
2
Republican Sponsors
0
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
66
Democrat Cosponsors
66
Republican Cosponsors
0
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 1361

Primary Policy Focus

Crime and Law Enforcement

Potential Impact Areas

Criminal justice information and recordsFirearms and explosivesRetail and wholesale trades

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 1361

Safer Neighborhoods Gun Buyback Act of 2023Safer Neighborhoods Gun Buyback Act of 2023To authorize the Director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance to make grants to States, units of local government, and gun dealers to conduct gun buyback programs, and for other purposes.
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