Details

• Sponsor - Conyers
• Proposed - January 7, 1997
• Congressional Record Link - HR116
• Amends - Title 18, United States Code
• Amendments - None.
• Votes - None taken.
• Results - No change in law.

Synopsis

According to the Congressional Record:

Gun Safety Act - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit the transfer or possession of a junk gun that has been shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce.

Defines a "junk gun" as any firearm that does not meet specified criteria for authorization by the Secretary of the Treasury for importation into the United States.

Makes such provision inapplicable to: (1) the possession or transfer of any junk gun otherwise lawfully possessed under Federal law on the date of this Act's enactment; (2) any firearm or replica of a firearm that has been rendered permanently inoperative; (3) the transfer to, or possession by, the United States, a State, or a political subdivision of a State or a transfer to or possession by a law enforcement officer employed by such an entity for law enforcement purposes (whether on or off duty); or (4) the transfer or possession of a junk gun by a licensed manufacturer or licensed importer for the purposes of testing or experimentation authorized by the Secretary of the Treasury.

Prohibits the manufacture or importation of a firearm that does not have as an integral part a device or devices that: (1) prevent a child under age seven from discharging it; (2) prevent a firearm that has a removable magazine from discharging when the magazine has been removed; and (3) in the case of a handgun other than a revolver, clearly indicate whether the magazine or chamber contains a round of ammunition. Makes an exception for the manufacture or importation of a firearm by or for the United States or a State. Sets penalties for violations.

Analysis

This is another bill designed to make firearms more expensive and less available. It  gives power to the Secretary of the Treasury over our Second Amendment rights in the process.

This is an interesting twist as previously the Secretary of the Treasury only had any power over firearms as related to the National Firearms Act. Previously the BATFE  has been the enforcer of Title 18 of the US Code.

Fortunately this bill died.

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