The
NRA Members’ Gun Safety Act would put in place five gun-control measures, including
mandatory background checks for every gun purchase. In naming the bill, its sponsor, Rep. Jim Moran (D-VA), refers to a recent poll indicating that these measures are popular among members of the National Rifle Association (NRA). Despite the title, the bill has not been endorsed by the NRA.
Specifically,
the five measures would:
- Require
background checks on all potential gun buyers, as opposed to the currently
applicable Brady
Handgun Violence Prevention Act, which requires checks only on those who
buy from federally licensed gun dealers. Private sellers would have to verify, either
with local law enforcement or certified gun dealers, that the purchaser is not
prohibited from gun ownership. The bill exempts sales to law enforcement and
transfers among immediate family members.
- Require background checks on all gun shop employees. Gun dealers would have to supply employee information
to the Department of Justice for a background check through the National
Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS).
- Prohibit individuals on the terrorist watch list from
purchasing firearms.
- Require
individuals to report the theft or loss of a firearm, within 48 hours, to the
appropriate local authorities.
- Require
states to only allow conceal carry with permits, which would be subject to a
set of minimum federal standards, including:
- Must complete state-certified gun
safety training
- Must be 21 years or older
- Must not have been convicted of a crime
of violence
- States have the right to establish
additional standards as they see fit.
The summary below was written by the Congressional Research Service, which is a nonpartisan division of the Library of Congress, and was published on Jan 3, 2013.
NRA Members' Gun Safety Act of 2013 - Amends the federal criminal code to prohibit a person who is not a licensed firearms importer, manufacturer, or dealer from transferring a firearm to, or receiving a firearm from, another unlicensed person, except: (1) through a licensed dealer or a law enforcement agency, which shall conduct a background check through the national instant criminal background check system; and (2) after inspecting a permit that confirms that such background check has been conducted. Specifies exceptions, including for: (1) the transfer of a bona fide gift between immediate family members; (2) a transfer that occurs by operation of law or by an executor or trustee because of the death of another person; (3) a temporary transfer that occurs in the home of the unlicensed transferee who believes that possession of the firearm is necessary to prevent imminent death or great bodily harm to the transferee; and (4) certain temporary transfers without the transfer of title at a shooting range, at a shooting competition, or while hunting, fishing, or trapping.
Sets forth requirements for a licensed dealer or law enforcement agency that assists in such transfer, including requirements to: (1) notify the transferor and transferee of compliance with background check requirements and of the receipt of any notification from the background check system that a transfer is prohibited, and (2) report to the Attorney General on such a transfer and on transfers of two or more pistols and/or revolvers to the same unlicensed transferee during any five consecutive business days. Permits such dealer or law enforcement agency to assess a processing fee.
Prohibits a licensed dealer from authorizing an employee to possess or transfer a firearm or ammunition in the course of employment unless such dealer has received a notice that the Attorney General has determined that receipt of a firearm by the employee would not be unlawful.
Authorizes the Attorney General to deny the transfer of firearms or the issuance of a federal firearms and explosives license to any individual if the Attorney General: (1) determines that such individual has been engaged in, or has provided material support or resources for, terrorist activities; and (2) has a reasonable belief that such individual may use a firearm or explosive in connection with terrorism. Allows any individual whose firearm or explosives license application has been denied to bring legal action challenging the denial. Permits the Attorney General to withhold information in firearms and explosives license denial revocation suits that would likely compromise national security. Authorizes the Attorney General to revoke firearms and explosives licenses and permits held by individuals determined to be engaged in terrorism.
Requires each person who owns or possesses a firearm to report its theft or loss to the appropriate local authorities within 48 hours after the theft or loss is discovered.
Requires each state that allows its residents to carry concealed firearms in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce to establish a process through which a resident must obtain a permit to carry a concealed firearm. Requires a state to: (1) ensure that a local law enforcement agency participates in the process; and (2) require an applicant to be a legal U.S. resident of at least 21 years of age, to demonstrate good cause for requesting the permit and that he or she is worthy of the public trust to carry a concealed firearm in public, to complete a firearm safety training course, and to not have been convicted of a crime of violence.
