S.1652 - Protecting Communities and Preserving the Second Amendment Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
S.1652, the "Protecting Communities and Preserving the Second Amendment Act of 2025," aims to address gun violence and improve the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). It focuses on mental health records, increased prosecution of gun-related crimes, and modernization of firearm commerce. The bill also includes provisions for studies on mass shootings and reports to Congress regarding ammunition purchases.
Expected Effects
The bill is likely to enhance the availability of mental health records to NICS, potentially preventing firearm sales to individuals deemed mentally incompetent. Increased prosecution of gun violence and firearm trafficking task forces could lead to a reduction in gun-related crimes. The act may also streamline firearm commerce and interstate transportation, affecting legal gun owners and businesses.
Potential Benefits
- Improved background checks through better mental health record availability.
- Increased prosecution of illegal firearm purchases and trafficking.
- Enhanced coordination between federal, state, and local law enforcement.
- Modernization of firearm commerce to reduce burdens on legal sales.
- Studies to better understand and prevent mass shootings.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased scrutiny and limitations on gun ownership for individuals with mental health histories.
- Possible expansion of federal power over state firearm regulations.
- Increased costs associated with implementing new programs and task forces.
- Risk of infringing on the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens.
- Potential for increased penalties for unintentional errors in firearm transactions.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's alignment with the Constitution is complex. The Second Amendment guarantees the right to bear arms, but this right is not unlimited. The Supreme Court has acknowledged the government's power to regulate firearms to protect public safety. Provisions related to NICS improvements and mental health records may be seen as reasonable regulations. However, expansions of federal law enforcement authority and potential restrictions on interstate firearm transportation could raise concerns about federal overreach and infringement on Second Amendment rights.
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).