HR1773-119

What This Bill Does

The Federal Firearms Licensee Protection Act increases penalties for theft from licensed firearm businesses. It rewrites 18 U.S.C. 924(i) so a person who knowingly violates, or attempts to violate, the firearm theft provision in section 922(u) may be fined, imprisoned up to 20 years, or both. If the offense occurs during a burglary of a licensed importer's, manufacturer's, or dealer's business premises, the prison term must be at least 3 years. If it occurs during robbery, the prison term must be at least 5 years. The bill defines burglary for that purpose and uses the existing Hobbs Act robbery definition. It also updates section 924(m) to include attempts involving theft from licensees or licensed collectors.

Who Benefits and How

Licensed firearms dealers benefit because thefts from their premises face stronger federal penalties. Licensed firearms manufacturers benefit from enhanced deterrence against burglary and robbery targeting inventory. Law enforcement agencies benefit from clearer federal penalties for firearms theft attempts and completed offenses. Community residents benefit if stronger penalties reduce diversion of stolen firearms into illegal markets.

Who Bears the Burden and How

Defendants accused of stealing firearms from licensees face up to 20 years imprisonment. Burglary offenders face a mandatory minimum 3-year term when the offense involves a licensed firearm business. Robbery offenders face a mandatory minimum 5-year term when the offense involves a licensed firearm business. Federal courts and public defenders must handle higher-stakes firearm theft cases.

Key Provisions

• Raises the maximum penalty for stealing firearms from licensed businesses to 20 years.
• Creates a 3-year mandatory minimum for covered burglary offenses.
• Creates a 5-year mandatory minimum for covered robbery offenses.
• Defines burglary and uses the existing Hobbs Act robbery definition.
• Extends covered penalties to attempts.