HR2790-119

What This Bill Does

The GOSAFE Act (Gas-Operated Semi-Automatic Firearms Exclusion Act) restricts the sale, manufacture, and possession of gas-operated semi-automatic firearms in the United States. It creates a federal list of prohibited firearms that the ATF must maintain, bans large capacity ammunition feeding devices (magazines holding more than 10 rounds), and requires new semi-automatic firearm designs to receive federal approval before being sold to civilians.

Who Benefits and How

Law enforcement agencies benefit from new federal grant funding for firearm buy-back programs to compensate citizens who surrender prohibited weapons. Manufacturers of exempted firearm types—including bolt-action rifles, pump-action shotguns, revolvers, and most semi-automatic handguns—may see increased demand as consumers shift purchases to non-prohibited alternatives. Government agencies and tribal authorities are fully exempt and can continue to purchase any firearms for official purposes.

Who Bears the Burden and How

Firearm manufacturers producing gas-operated semi-automatic rifles (like AR-15 style weapons) face severe restrictions: they cannot sell newly manufactured prohibited firearms to civilians and must submit new designs for federal approval, paying application fees and providing detailed specifications. Licensed firearms dealers face new compliance requirements, including documenting purchaser acknowledgment of the prohibited firearms list before any sale. Individual gun owners cannot buy newly manufactured prohibited firearms, though those who already lawfully possess such weapons may keep them. Violations carry penalties of up to $5,000 in fines and 12 months imprisonment, with enhanced penalties up to 10 years for possessing a prohibited firearm while committing another federal crime.

Key Provisions

• Creates a federal list of prohibited gas-operated semi-automatic firearms maintained by the ATF, with manufacturers required to obtain approval before selling new semi-automatic designs to civilians
• Bans manufacture, sale, and transfer of large capacity ammunition feeding devices (magazines over 10 rounds), with grandfathering only for devices manufactured before enactment
• Exempts bolt-action, lever-action, and pump-action firearms, as well as revolvers and most semi-automatic handguns using recoil operation
• Authorizes Byrne Justice Assistance Grants to fund buy-back programs compensating citizens who surrender prohibited firearms
• Establishes a Firearm Safety Trust Fund to cover ATF costs for reviewing manufacturer applications and enforcing the law