HR2799-119

What This Bill Does

The Closing the Bump Stock Loophole Act adds a definition of semiautomatic firearm and creates a new 18 U.S.C. 922(v) prohibition. Starting 120 days after enactment, it bars import, sale, manufacture, transfer, receipt, or possession of manual, power-driven, or electronic devices primarily designed so that attachment to a semi-automatic firearm materially increases the rate of fire or approximates machinegun action; parts or combinations designed or functioning to materially increase rate of fire by eliminating a separate trigger movement for each shot; and semi-automatic firearms modified in that way. People who lawfully owned preexisting modified semi-automatic firearms must register them under the National Firearms Act within 120 days. The bill exempts possession or transfer under federal, State, Tribal, and local government authority and adds the registered modified firearms to the NFA firearm definition.

Who Benefits and How

Gun violence prevention advocates benefit because the bill closes a statutory path for bump-stock-style rate-increasing devices. Federal prosecutors benefit from an explicit section 922(v) offense for rate-increasing devices and modified semi-automatic firearms. ATF registration staff benefit from a clear National Firearms Act hook for preexisting modified firearms. Communities exposed to rapid-fire shooting risk benefit if bump-stock-style devices and similar modifications become less available.

Who Bears the Burden and How

Bump stock manufacturers lose the lawful civilian market for devices that materially increase semi-automatic firearm rate of fire. Owners of modified semi-automatic firearms must register qualifying preexisting firearms within 120 days to retain lawful possession. Licensed firearms dealers must avoid transfers of prohibited devices and modified firearms outside the statutory exceptions. ATF enforcement staff must process registrations and enforce the new section 922(v) prohibition.

Key Provisions

• Prohibits bump-stock-style devices, parts combinations, and modified semi-automatic firearms that materially increase rate of fire.
• Requires registration within 120 days for lawfully owned preexisting modified semi-automatic firearms.
• Adds registered modified semi-automatic firearms to the National Firearms Act firearm definition.
• Preserves exceptions for federal, State, Tribal, and local government authority.