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Keep Americans Safe Act

1/9/2024, 11:41 PM

Summary of Bill S 298

The Keep Americans Safe Act, also known as Bill 118 s 298, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The main goal of this bill is to enhance public safety by restricting the sale of large capacity ammunition magazines. These magazines are capable of holding more than 10 rounds of ammunition and are often used in mass shootings.

If passed, the Keep Americans Safe Act would prohibit the transfer, importation, or possession of large capacity ammunition magazines. It would also require individuals who currently own these magazines to dispose of them within a certain timeframe. The bill includes exceptions for law enforcement officers, military personnel, and licensed dealers.

Supporters of the bill argue that restricting access to large capacity magazines will help prevent mass shootings and save lives. They believe that limiting the number of rounds a shooter can fire without reloading will give law enforcement more time to respond and potentially stop the attacker. Opponents of the bill, on the other hand, argue that it infringes on the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens. They believe that restricting access to large capacity magazines will not effectively prevent gun violence and may only impact responsible gun owners. Overall, the Keep Americans Safe Act is a controversial piece of legislation that aims to address gun violence by limiting access to large capacity ammunition magazines. Its fate in Congress remains uncertain as lawmakers continue to debate the potential impact of the bill on public safety and Second Amendment rights.

Congressional Summary of S 298

Keep Americans Safe Act

This bill establishes a new criminal offense for the import, sale, manufacture, transfer, or possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device (LCAFD).

The bill does not prohibit certain conduct with respect to an LCAFD, including the following:

  • importation, sale, manufacture, transfer, or possession related to certain law enforcement efforts, or authorized tests or experiments;
  • importation, sale, transfer, or possession related to securing nuclear materials; and
  • possession by a retired law enforcement officer.

The bill permits continued possession of, but prohibits sale or transfer of, a grandfathered LCAFD.

Newly manufactured LCAFDs must display serial number identification and the date of manufacture.

Additionally, the bill allows a state or local government to use Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program funds to compensate individuals who surrender an LCAFD under a buy-back program.

Current Status of Bill S 298

Bill S 298 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since February 7, 2023. Bill S 298 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the Senate on February 7, 2023.  Bill S 298's most recent activity was Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. as of February 7, 2023

Bipartisan Support of Bill S 298

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
1
Republican Sponsors
0
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
58
Democrat Cosponsors
54
Republican Cosponsors
0
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
4

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 298

Primary Policy Focus

Crime and Law Enforcement

Potential Impact Areas

- Civil actions and liability
- Firearms and explosives
- Law enforcement administration and funding
- Retail and wholesale trades
- Trade restrictions

Alternate Title(s) of Bill S 298

Keep Americans Safe Act
Keep Americans Safe Act
A bill to regulate large capacity ammunition feeding devices.

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