H.R.3034 - No Frivolous Application for Short-Barreled Shotguns Act; NFA SBS Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.3034, the "No Frivolous Application for Short-Barreled Shotguns Act" or "NFA SBS Act," aims to remove short-barreled shotguns from the definition of firearms under the National Firearms Act (NFA). This would alter the regulatory landscape for these weapons. The bill also seeks to eliminate disparate treatment of short-barreled shotguns used for lawful purposes and preempt certain state laws related to them.
Specifically, the bill amends the Internal Revenue Code and Title 18 of the United States Code. It mandates the destruction of existing records related to short-barreled shotguns within a year of enactment.
The bill is sponsored by Mrs. Biggs of South Carolina and several other representatives, and has been referred to the Committees on Ways and Means and the Judiciary.
Expected Effects
If enacted, H.R.3034 would significantly reduce federal regulation of short-barreled shotguns. This would likely lead to increased availability and potentially lower costs for consumers.
State laws that impose taxes, recordkeeping, or registration requirements on these shotguns could be preempted. The destruction of existing federal records would also occur.
This could also impact crime rates, either positively or negatively, depending on the perspective of different groups.
Potential Benefits
- Reduced regulatory burden: Removes short-barreled shotguns from NFA, simplifying ownership.
- Potential cost savings: Eliminating NFA requirements (e.g., tax stamps) could lower costs for consumers.
- Standardized regulations: Preemption of certain state laws creates more uniform rules across the country.
- Increased access for lawful purposes: Easier access for hunting, sport shooting, and self-defense.
- Elimination of unnecessary recordkeeping: Destruction of existing records reduces government bureaucracy.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased gun violence: Easier access to short-barreled shotguns could lead to increased misuse.
- Reduced state control: Preemption of state laws limits states' ability to regulate these weapons.
- Loss of information: Destruction of existing records could hinder investigations involving these weapons.
- Concerns about public safety: Some may argue that reducing regulations on short-barreled shotguns endangers the public.
- Possible increase in black market activity: Reduced regulation could make it easier to illegally modify and sell these weapons.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's alignment with the Constitution is complex. Proponents would argue it aligns with the Second Amendment, protecting the right to bear arms. The Supreme Court has affirmed the individual right to bear arms, but also acknowledged the government's power to regulate firearms.
Opponents might argue that the bill could undermine public safety, which the government is constitutionally obligated to ensure. The Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states, and preemption of state laws could be seen as infringing on state sovereignty.
The Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8) could be invoked to justify federal regulation of firearms that affect interstate commerce, but the extent of this power is often debated.
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).