HR 4900 IHCommentsClose CommentsPermalink

To reform the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, modernize firearms laws and regulations, protect the community from criminals, and for other purposes.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

December 19, 2007

Mr. KING of Iowa (for himself and Mr. SPACE) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concernedCommentsClose CommentsPermalink

To reform the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, modernize firearms laws and regulations, protect the community from criminals, and for other purposes.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the `Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Reform and Firearms Modernization Act of 2007'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 2. TABLE OF CONTENTS.

The table of contents of this Act is as follows:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 1. Short title.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 2. Table of contents.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

TITLE I--BUREAU OF ALCOHOL, TOBACCO, FIREARMS, AND EXPLOSIVES MODERNIZATION AND REFORM

Sec. 101. Graduated penalties for civil violations by Federal firearms licensees.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 102. Consideration of Federal firearms license applications.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 103. Definition of willfully.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 104. Establishment of formal inspection, examination, and investigative guidelines.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 105. Limitations on use of firearms purchaser information.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 106. Liquidation of inventory in Federal firearms license expiration, surrender, or revocation cases.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 107. Opportunity to cure violations after acquisition of firearms business.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 108. Standards for criminal violations of recordkeeping requirements.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 109. Authority to collect information on explosives stored under State law; regulations governing storage of explosives made applicable to storage of explosives by agencies operating under State law.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 110. Effective date.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

TITLE II--FIREARMS CORRECTIONS AND IMPROVEMENTS

Sec. 201. Correction of nonsubstantive error in age limit provision.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 202. Possession and transfer of machineguns for industry testing and security contracting.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 203. Elimination of obsolete language added by the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 204. Ban on tax or fee for background check by the national instant criminal background check system.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 205. Elimination of written permission requirement for supervised handgun use.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 206. Modification of procedures for sharing of multiple handgun sales reports.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 207. Ban on electronic retrieval of inactive licensee information.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 208. Trace disclosure.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 209. Barrel and receiver importation.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Sec. 210. Clarifications relating to manufacturing of firearms.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

TITLE III--CRIMINAL GUN ENFORCEMENT IMPROVEMENTS

Sec. 301. Possession of firearms by dangerous felons.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

TITLE I--BUREAU OF ALCOHOL, TOBACCO, FIREARMS, AND EXPLOSIVES MODERNIZATION AND REFORM

SEC. 101. GRADUATED PENALTIES FOR CIVIL VIOLATIONS BY FEDERAL FIREARMS LICENSEES.

(a) In General- Section 923 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by striking subsections (e) and (f) and inserting the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(e)(1)(A) If the Attorney General determines that a licensee under this section has willfully violated any provision of this chapter or any regulation prescribed under this chapter, the Attorney General may--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) if the violation is of a minor nature--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(I) impose on the licensee a civil money penalty of not more than $1,000 for each such violation, except that the total amount of penalties imposed on a licensee under this subclause for violations arising from a single inspection or examination shall not exceed $5,000; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(II) suspend the license for not more than 30 days, and specify the circumstances under which the suspension is to be terminated, if, in the period for which the license is in effect, there have been at least 2 prior occasions on which the licensee has been determined to have violated this chapter; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) if the violation is of a serious nature--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(I) impose on the licensee a civil money penalty of not more than $2,500 for each such violation, except that the total amount of penalties imposed on a licensee under this subclause for a violation arising from a single inspection or examination shall not exceed $15,000;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(II) suspend the license for not more than 90 days, and specify the circumstances under which the suspension is to be terminated;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(III) revoke the license; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(IV) take the actions described in subclauses (I) and (II), or subclauses (I) and (III).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B)(i)(I) In determining the amount of a civil money penalty to impose under subparagraph (A) on a licensee, the nature and severity of the violation involved, the size of the firearms business operated by the licensee, and the prior record of the licensee shall be considered.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(II) On request of the licensee, the Attorney General may consider the ability of the licensee to pay a civil money penalty, and may allow the licensee to submit documents and information to establish the ability of the licensee to pay. The Attorney General shall not make part of any public record any document or information so submitted, and shall return to the licensee any such document or information.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(III) The total amount of penalties imposed on a licensee under subparagraph (A) with respect to violations of a minor nature and of a serious nature arising from a single inspection or examination shall not exceed $15,000.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) For purposes of subparagraph (A), violation of a provision of this chapter with respect to 2 or more firearms during a single transaction shall be considered a single violation of the provision.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iii) The Attorney General may defer, or suspend, in whole or in part, the imposition of a civil money penalty on a licensee whose license is suspended under this paragraph.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(C) For purposes of subparagraph (A):CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) A violation of this chapter shall be considered to be of a serious nature if the violation--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(I) results in or could have resulted in the transfer of a firearm or ammunition to a person prohibited from possessing or receiving the firearm or ammunition under this chapter or under State or local law;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(II) obstructs or could have obstructed a bona fide criminal investigation or prosecution, or an inspection or examination under this chapter; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(III) prevents or could have prevented a licensee from complying with subsection (a)(7), (a)(8), (b)(1), (b)(3), (b)(4), (j), (k), (o), or (p) of section 922, subsection (g)(7) of this section, or subsection (b) or (h) of section 924.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) A violation of this chapter shall be considered to be of a minor nature if the violation is not of a serious nature.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(D) The Attorney General may not commence an enforcement action under subparagraph (A) with respect to a violation, after the 5-year period that begins with--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) the date the violation occurred; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) if the licensee intentionally obstructed discovery of the violation, the date the violation is discovered.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2)(A) Not less than 30 days before the effective date of any penalty imposed on a licensee by reason of a determination made under paragraph (1), the Attorney General shall send the licensee a written notice--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) of the determination, and the grounds on which the determination was made;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) of the nature of the penalty; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iii) that the licensee may, within 30 days after receipt of the notice, request a hearing to review the determination.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) A hearing to review a determination made under paragraph (1) with respect to a licensee shall not be held unless the licensee requests such a hearing within 30 days after receiving the notice of the determination sent pursuant to subparagraph (A).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(C) On timely receipt from the licensee of a request for such a review, the Attorney General shall stay the imposition under paragraph (1) of any penalty involved, pending resolution of the review, unless, in the case of a suspension or revocation of a licensee, the Attorney General establishes, at a hearing before an administrative law judge, by clear and convincing evidence, that the continued operation by the licensee of the business poses an immediate and grave threat to public safety.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(3)(A) Within 90 days after timely receipt from a licensee of a request to review a determination made under paragraph (1) (or at such later time as is agreed to by the Attorney General and the licensee), an administrative law judge shall hold a hearing, at a location convenient to the licensee, to review the determination.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) Not less than 30 days before the hearing, the Attorney General shall deliver to the licensee--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) a document identifying each person whom the Attorney General intends to call as a witness during the hearing;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) a copy of each document which will be introduced as evidence at the hearing; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iii) copies of all documents on which the determination is based.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(C) Within 90 days after the hearing, the administrative law judge shall issue a written decision setting forth findings of fact and conclusions of law, and a decision as to whether to affirm, modify, or reverse the determination.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(D) On request of the licensee, the Attorney General shall stay the effective date of any penalty, suspension, or revocation until there has been a final, nonreviewable judgment with respect to the determination involved, unless, in the case of a suspension or revocation of a licensee, the Attorney General establishes, at a hearing before an administrative law judge, by clear and convincing evidence, that the continued operation by the licensee of the business poses an immediate and grave threat to public safety.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(E) The action of an administrative law judge under this subsection shall be considered final agency action for all purposes, and may be reviewed only as provided in subsection (f).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(4) This subsection shall not be interpreted to affect the authority of the Attorney General under section 922(t)(5).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(f)(1) Within 60 days after a party receives a notice issued under subsection (d)(3) of a decision to deny a license, or a notice issued under subsection (e)(3)(C) of a determination to impose a civil money penalty or to suspend or revoke a license, the party may file a petition with the United States district court for the district in which the party resides or has a principal place of business for a de novo review of the decision or determination.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) In a proceeding conducted under this paragraph, the court shall, on application of a party, consider any evidence submitted by the parties to the proceeding whether or not the evidence was considered at the hearing held under subsection (d)(3) or (e)(3).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(3) If the court decides that the decision or determination was not authorized, the court shall order the Attorney General to take such action as may be necessary to comply with the judgment of the court.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(4) If criminal proceedings are instituted against a licensee alleging any violation of this chapter or of a regulation prescribed under this chapter, and the licensee is acquitted of the charges, or the proceedings are terminated, other than upon motion of the Government before trial on the charges, the Attorney General shall be absolutely barred from denying a license under this chapter, suspending or revoking a license granted under this chapter, or imposing a civil money penalty under subsection (e), if the action would be based in whole or in part on the facts which form the basis of the criminal charges. The Attorney General may not institute a proceeding to suspend or revoke a license granted under this chapter, or to impose a civil money penalty under subsection (e), more than 1 year after the filing of the indictment or information.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Conforming Amendment to Procedure Applicable to Denial of Application for License- Section 923(d) of such title is amended by adding at the end the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(3) If the Attorney General denies an application for a license, an administrative law judge of the Department of Justice shall, on request by the aggrieved party, promptly hold a hearing to review the denial, at a location convenient to the aggrieved party. If, after the hearing, the administrative law judge decides not to reverse the denial, the administrative law judge shall give notice of the final denial decision to the aggrieved party.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 102. CONSIDERATION OF FEDERAL FIREARMS LICENSE APPLICATIONS.

(a) In General- Section 923(d) of title 18, United States Code, as amended by section 101(b) of this Act, is amended by redesignating paragraphs (2) and (3) as paragraphs (3) and (4) and inserting after paragraph (1) the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) The Attorney General shall make a preliminary determination as to whether to approve or deny an application submitted under subsection (a) or (b). If the preliminary determination is to deny the application, the Attorney General shall notify the applicant in writing of the preliminary determination and the reasons for the preliminary determination, and shall afford the applicant an opportunity to supplement the application with additional information and to request a hearing on the application. If the applicant, in a timely manner, requests such a hearing, the Attorney General shall hold the hearing at a location convenient to the applicant, and shall notify the applicant in writing of the time and place of the hearing.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Conforming Amendment- Section 923(f) of such title, as amended by section 2(a) of this Act, is amended by striking `(d)(3)' each place it appears and inserting `(d)(4)'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 103. DEFINITION OF WILLFULLY.

Section 923(e) of title 18, United States Code, as amended by section 101(a) of this Act, is amended by adding at the end the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(5) For purposes of this subsection, the term `willfully' means, with respect to conduct of a person, that the person knew of a legal duty, and engaged in the conduct knowingly and in intentional disregard of the duty.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 104. ESTABLISHMENT OF FORMAL INSPECTION, EXAMINATION, AND INVESTIGATIVE GUIDELINES.

The Attorney General shall establish guidelines for how the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives is to conduct inspections, examinations, or investigations of possible violations of chapters 40 and 44 of title 18, United States Code.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 105. LIMITATIONS ON USE OF FIREARMS PURCHASER INFORMATION.

Section 923(g)(1)(D) of title 18, United States Code, is amended in the last sentence by inserting `, except that information identifying a person who has purchased or received firearms or ammunition and who is not prohibited from doing so may not be so made available or so provided unless the agency involved has certified that the agency will not disclose the information to any entity other than a court, federal, State or local law enforcement agency, or prosecutor' before the period.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 106. LIQUIDATION OF INVENTORY IN FEDERAL FIREARMS LICENSE EXPIRATION, SURRENDER, OR REVOCATION CASES.

Section 923 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(m)(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), a person whose license issued under this chapter is expired, surrendered, or revoked shall be afforded 60 days from the effective date of the expiration, surrender, or revocation to liquidate the firearms inventory of the person, which time may be extended upon a showing of reasonable cause. During such 60-day period (including any extension of the period), the license involved shall continue to be considered valid.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) Paragraph (1) shall not apply with respect to a person if a United States District Court for the judicial district in which the person resides or in which the principal place of business of the person subject to the license is located finds, by clear and convincing evidence, that the continued operation by the person of the business poses an immediate and grave threat to public safety.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 107. OPPORTUNITY TO CURE VIOLATIONS AFTER ACQUISITION OF FIREARMS BUSINESS.

Section 923 of title 18, United States Code, is further amended by adding at the end the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(n) If the Attorney General is made aware that a business licensed under this chapter has transferred to a surviving spouse or child of the licensee, to an executor, administrator, or other legal representative of a deceased licensee; or to a receiver or trustee in bankruptcy, or an assignee for benefit of creditors, and, before the transfer, or on the first inspection or examination by the Attorney General of the records of the licensee after the transfer, the licensee is found to be operating the business in violation of this chapter, the Attorney General--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) shall notify the transferee of the violation by the transferor; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) shall not presume that the transferee is committing the violation.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 108. STANDARDS FOR CRIMINAL VIOLATIONS OF RECORDKEEPING REQUIREMENTS.

Section 922(m) of title 18, United States Code, is amended--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) by striking `any false entry' and inserting `a materially false entry';CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) by striking `appropriate entry' and inserting `a materially significant entry'; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) by striking `properly maintain' and inserting `retain custody of'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 109. AUTHORITY TO COLLECT INFORMATION ON EXPLOSIVES STORED UNDER STATE LAW; REGULATIONS GOVERNING STORAGE OF EXPLOSIVES MADE APPLICABLE TO STORAGE OF EXPLOSIVES BY AGENCIES OPERATING UNDER STATE LAW.

(a) Authority To Collect Information on Explosives Stored Under State Law-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) IN GENERAL- Section 846 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(c) Each agency operating under the law of any State or political subdivision thereof that stores or keeps explosive materials shall submit to the Attorney General, at such time as the Attorney General shall prescribe in regulations, a written report that specifies each location at which the agency stores or keeps explosive materials that have been shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce, and the types and amounts of such explosive materials that are stored or kept at the location.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) REGULATIONS- Within 6 months after the date of the enactment of this section, the Attorney General shall prescribe the regulations referred to in section 846(c) of title 18, United States Code.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Regulations Governing Storage of Explosives Made Applicable to Storage of Explosives by Agencies Operating Under State Law- Subpart K of part 555 of subchapter C of chapter II of title 27, Code of Federal Regulations, shall apply with respect to the storage by agencies operating under the law of any State or political subdivision thereof of explosive materials that have been shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 110. EFFECTIVE DATE.

This title and the amendments made by this title shall take effect at the end of the 180-day period that begins with the date of the enactment of this Act.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

TITLE II--FIREARMS CORRECTIONS AND IMPROVEMENTS

SEC. 201. CORRECTION OF NONSUBSTANTIVE ERROR IN AGE LIMIT PROVISION.

Section 922(b)(1) of title 18, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) any firearm or ammunition to any individual who the licensee knows or has reasonable cause to believe has not attained 18 years of age, and, if the firearm is other than a shotgun or rifle, or the ammunition is for a firearm other than a shotgun or rifle, to any individual who the licensee knows or has reasonable cause to believe has not attained 21 years of age;'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 202. POSSESSION AND TRANSFER OF MACHINEGUNS FOR INDUSTRY TESTING AND SECURITY CONTRACTING.

(a) Machineguns for Federal Contractors- Section 922(a)(4) of title 18, United States Code, is amended by striking `except' and all that follows and inserting `except--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) as specifically authorized by the Attorney General consistent with public safety and necessity; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) to comply with a contract between any person and the United States which requires that person to provide national security services for the United States or any training related to such services;'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Sale or Delivery of Machineguns to Federal Contractors- Section 922(b) of such title is amended by adding at the end the following: `Paragraphs (2) and (4) of this subsection shall not apply to a sale or delivery to comply with a contract between any person and the United States which requires that person to provide national security services for the United States or any training related to the services.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) Post-86 Machineguns for Testing, Research and Development, Training, and Security- Section 922(o) of such title is amended--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) in paragraph (2)--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) by striking `or' at the end of subparagraph (A); andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) by redesignating subparagraph (B) as subparagraph (F) and inserting after subparagraph (A) the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) a transfer to, or possession by, a person to comply with a contract between that person and the United States which requires the person to provide national security services for the United States or any training related to the services;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(C) a transfer to, or possession by, a licensed manufacturer or licensed importer solely for testing, research, design, or development of ammunition or a firearm;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(D) a possession by a licensed manufacturer or licensed importer for the purposes of training persons to whom a machinegun, manufactured or imported by the licensee, may be transferred as described in subparagraph (A) or (B);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(E) a transfer to or possession by a licensed manufacturer, licensed importer, or licensed dealer for a professional theatrical purpose if the licensee--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) is registered under section 5802 of the National Firearms Act;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) holds a valid permit or license under State law to engage in business as a theatrical firearms dealer or equivalent statutory designation;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iii) derives not less than 80 percent of income from the firearms business from the use of firearms by professional motion picture or television productions that are distributed to or produced for a national or international audience;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iv) before possessing a machinegun under this subparagraph, provides the Attorney General with documentation that--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(I) the licensee meets the requirements of clauses (i) through (iii); andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(II) the transfer or possession, as the case may be, is for such purpose; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(v) establishes that the number of machineguns sought by the licensee is reasonable for the film, production, or performance for which the machineguns are requested; or'; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) by adding at the end the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(3) A person who receives, possesses, transports, imports, or uses a weapon, ammunition, or a device under subsection (b) of this section, shall be subject to a background check every 3 years by the Attorney General, based on fingerprints and including a background check under section 103(b) of the Brady Handgun Violence Protection Act (Public Law 103-159; 18 U.S.C. 922 note) to determine whether the person is prohibited from possessing or receiving a firearm under Federal or State law. Any person who receives, possesses, transports, imports, or uses a weapon, ammunition or a device under subsection (b) of this section shall be subject to subsections (g) and (n) of this section.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(d) Importation of Machineguns- Section 925(d) of such title is amended--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) in paragraph (3), by striking `or' at the end;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) in paragraph (4), by striking the period and inserting a semicolon; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) by inserting after paragraph (4) the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(5) is imported or brought in for a purpose described in section 922(o)(2); orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(6) a machinegun being imported or brought in for a purpose described in section 922(o)(2)(E).'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(e) Importation Under the National Firearms Act- Section 5844 of the National Firearms Act (26 U.S.C. 5844) is amended--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) by striking `or' at the end of paragraph (2); andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(4) a machinegun being imported or brought in to comply with a contract between any person and the United States which requires the person to provide national security services for the United States or any training related to the services;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(5) a machinegun being imported or brought in by a registered importer or registered manufacturer for the purpose of training persons who acquire machineguns pursuant to paragraph (1) that were manufactured or imported by the registrant; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(6) a machinegun being imported or brought in for a purpose described in section 922(o)(2)(E) of title 18, United States Code;'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(f) National Security Services Defined- Section 921(a) of such title is amended by adding at the end the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(36) The term `national security services' means any protective, defensive, or security services provided pursuant to a contract with a department or agency of the United States.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(37) The term `professional theatrical purpose' means the use of firearms in a motion picture or television production which is expected to be produced, distributed, marketed, or shown by a member of a nationally recognized professional trade association related primarily to motion picture and television production, as determined by the Attorney General.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(g) Effective Date- The amendments made by this section shall take effect after the 180-day period that begins with the date of the enactment of this Act.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 203. ELIMINATION OF OBSOLETE LANGUAGE ADDED BY THE BRADY HANDGUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION ACT.

Section 922 of title 18, United States Code, is amended--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) by striking subsection (s); andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) in subsection (t)(1), by striking `Beginning' and all that follows through `a licensed' and inserting `A licensed'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 204. BAN ON TAX OR FEE FOR BACKGROUND CHECK BY THE NATIONAL INSTANT CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK SYSTEM.

Section 922(t) of title 18, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(7) The Attorney General shall not charge any tax or fee for any background check conducted pursuant to this subsection.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 205. ELIMINATION OF WRITTEN PERMISSION REQUIREMENT FOR SUPERVISED HANDGUN USE.

Section 922(x)(3)(A) of title 18, United States Code, is amended--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) in clause (ii), by striking subclause (II) and inserting the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(II) with respect to ranching or farming activities, target practice, hunting, or a course of instruction in the safe and lawful use of a handgun, as described in clause (i), a juvenile may possess and use a handgun or ammunition without the prior written consent, if the parent or legal guardian is present at all times and the juvenile acts at the direction of a parent, legal guardian, or other adult who is not prohibited by Federal, State, or local law from possessing a firearm;'; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) in clause (iii), by inserting `except as provided in clause (ii)(II),' after `(iii)'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 206. MODIFICATION OF PROCEDURES FOR SHARING OF MULTIPLE HANDGUN SALES REPORTS.

Section 923(g)(3)(A) of title 18, United States Code, is amended--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) by striking `and to the department of State police' and all that follows through `took place'; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) by adding at the end the following: `On request by a State or local law enforcement agency of the jurisdiction in which the sale or other disposition took place, the Attorney General may provide the report to the agency, unless the agency failed to make the certification required by subparagraph (B) for the most recent 6-month period for which the certification is so required.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 207. BAN ON ELECTRONIC RETRIEVAL OF INACTIVE LICENSEE INFORMATION.

Subsection 923(g)(4) of title 18, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: `The Attorney General shall not electronically retrieve information gathered pursuant to this paragraph by name or by any personal identification code.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 208. TRACE DISCLOSURE.

(a) In General- Section 923(g) of title 18, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(8)(A) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, information required to be kept by licensees pursuant to this subsection, or required to be reported pursuant to paragraphs (3) and (7) of this subsection, and information in the firearms trace system database maintained by the National Trace Center of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, including all information received or generated by the Bureau in connection with a request to trace a firearm--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) shall not be disclosed by the Attorney General to any entity, except--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(I) to an official of a Federal, State, local, or foreign law enforcement agency, or a Federal, State, or local prosecutor, solely in connection with bona fide criminal investigative purposes or prosecutions, not to be used or disclosed for any other purpose;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(II) to a Federal official for national security, intelligence, or counterterrorism purposes, and not to be used or disclosed for any other purpose;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(III) for use in an action or proceeding commenced by the Attorney General to enforce this chapter, the National Firearms Act, or chapter 3 of the Arms Export Control Act, or a review of such an action or proceeding; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(IV) for use in an action or proceeding commenced by the Secretary of the Treasury to enforce part III of subchapter D of chapter 32 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, or a review of such an action or proceeding; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) shall not be disclosed to any Federal, State, local, or foreign law enforcement agency, or a Federal, State, or local prosecutor, except in connection with bona fide criminal investigative purposes or prosecutions.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to prevent the sharing or exchanging of the information among and between Federal, State, local, or foreign law enforcement agencies and Federal, State, or local prosecutors solely in connection with bona fide criminal investigative purposes or prosecutions, or among and between national security, intelligence, or counterterrorism officials solely in connection with national security, intelligence, or counterterrorism purposes.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) Information in the firearms trace system database maintained by the National Trace Center of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, including all information received or generated by the Bureau in connection with a request to trace a firearm, shall be immune from legal process, shall not be subject to subpoena or other discovery, shall not be used, relied on, or disclosed in any manner, and shall not be admissible as evidence, nor shall testimony or other evidence based on the information be admissible as evidence, in any civil action pending on or filed after the effective date of this subparagraph in any State or Federal court, or in any administrative proceeding other than a proceeding commenced by the Bureau to enforce this chapter, the National Firearms Act, or chapter 3 of the Arms Export Control Act, or a review of such an action or proceeding.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(C) This paragraph shall not be construed to prevent the disclosure of statistical information concerning total production, importation, and exportation by each licensed importer and licensed manufacturer.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Exemption of Law Enforcement Officers From Criminal Penalties-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) IN GENERAL- Section 925(a) of such title is amended by adding at the end the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(6) Section 924(a)(1)(D) shall not apply to the violation of section 923(g)(8) by an official of any Federal, State, or local law enforcement agency.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) CONFORMING AMENDMENT- Section 924(a)(1) of such title is amended by striking `in section 929' and inserting `section 925(a)(6) or 929'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 209. BARREL AND RECEIVER IMPORTATION.

(a) In General- Section 925(e) of title 18, United States Code, is amended--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) in paragraph (1), by striking `, and' and inserting a period;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) by adding at the end the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(3) All frames or receivers of rifles, or barrels for firearms other than handguns, if the importation is for repair or replacement purposes.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Governmental Imports- Section 925(a)(1) of such title is amended by inserting `, barrel,' after `or importation of any firearm'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 210. CLARIFICATIONS RELATING TO MANUFACTURING OF FIREARMS.

(a) Clarification of Definition of Manufacturing- Section 921(a)(10) of title 18, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: `The term `manufacturing' shall not include repairing firearms, making or fitting special barrels, stocks, trigger mechanisms, or other parts to firearms, or engraving or otherwise altering the appearance of firearms.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Clarification of Definition of Dealer- Section 921(a)(11)(B) of title 18, United States Code, is amended by striking `or trigger mechanisms to firearms' and inserting `trigger mechanisms, or other parts to firearms, or engraving or otherwise altering the appearance of firearms'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

TITLE III--CRIMINAL GUN ENFORCEMENT IMPROVEMENTS

SEC. 301. POSSESSION OF FIREARMS BY DANGEROUS FELONS.

(a) In General- Section 924(e) of title 18, United States Code, is amended by striking all that precedes paragraph (2) and inserting the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(e)(1) In the case of a person who violates section 922(g) and has previously been convicted by any court referred to in section 922(g)(1) of a violent felony or a serious drug offense shall--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) in the case of 1 such prior conviction, if more than 10 years has elapsed since the later of the date of the conviction or the date of the release of the person from imprisonment for the conviction, be imprisoned for not more than 15 years, fined under this title, or both;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) in the case of 2 such prior convictions for violations committed on occasions different from one another, if not more than 10 years has elapsed since the later of the date of the most recent such conviction and the date of the release of the person from imprisonment for the most recent such conviction, be imprisoned for not more than 20 years, fined under this title, or both; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(C) in the case of 3 such prior convictions for violations committed on occasions different from one another, if not more than 10 years has elapsed since the later date of the most recent such conviction or the date of the release of the person from imprisonment for the most recent such conviction, be imprisoned for any term of years not less than 15 years or for life and fined under this title, and notwithstanding any other provision of law, the court shall not suspend the sentence of, or grant a probationary sentence to, such person with respect to the conviction under section 922(g).'.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Amendment to Sentencing Guidelines- Pursuant to its authority under section 994(p) of title 28, United States Code, the United States Sentencing Commission shall amend the Federal Sentencing Guidelines to provide for an appropriate increase in the offense level for violations of section 922(g) of title 18, United States Code, in accordance with section 924(e) of such title, as amended by subsection (a) of this section.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink