H.R.2799 - Closing the Bump Stock Loophole Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2799, the "Closing the Bump Stock Loophole Act of 2025," aims to amend Title 18 of the United States Code to prohibit machinegun conversion devices and illegal modifications of semiautomatic firearms. The bill defines 'semiautomatic firearm' and prohibits the import, sale, manufacture, transfer, receipt, or possession of devices that materially increase the rate of fire or approximate machinegun action when attached to a semiautomatic firearm. It also addresses modifications to semiautomatic firearms that achieve similar results.
Expected Effects
The bill will make it illegal to possess bump stocks and similar devices that increase the rate of fire of semiautomatic weapons. Current owners of modified semiautomatic firearms would be required to register them under the National Firearms Act. This will likely reduce the availability of devices that can be used to rapidly fire semiautomatic weapons.
Potential Benefits
- Reduced risk of mass shootings due to limitations on rapid-fire devices.
- Increased public safety by restricting access to devices that mimic machine guns.
- Clearer legal definitions regarding semiautomatic firearms and modifications.
- Potential for fewer accidental injuries related to modified firearms.
- Alignment with public sentiment favoring stricter gun control measures.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for legal challenges based on Second Amendment rights.
- Increased burden on law-abiding gun owners due to registration requirements.
- Possible creation of a black market for prohibited devices.
- Unclear definition of 'materially increases the rate of fire' may lead to confusion and inconsistent enforcement.
- Concerns among gun rights advocates about government overreach.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's alignment with the Constitution is debatable, particularly concerning the Second Amendment. The Second Amendment guarantees the right to bear arms, but the extent to which this right applies to modifications and devices that increase the rate of fire is subject to interpretation. The government may argue that regulating bump stocks and similar devices falls within its power to regulate dangerous and unusual weapons, while opponents may argue that it infringes upon the right to self-defense. The bill also touches on the Fifth Amendment (due process) and potentially the Fourteenth Amendment (equal protection) if enforcement is uneven.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).