S.803 - Keep Americans Safe Act (119th Congress)
Summary
The Keep Americans Safe Act (S.803) aims to regulate large capacity ammunition feeding devices. It defines these devices as magazines, belts, drums, or similar mechanisms capable of holding more than 10 rounds of ammunition. The bill prohibits the import, sale, manufacture, transfer, or possession of these devices, with certain exceptions for law enforcement, the military, and licensed manufacturers for testing purposes.
Expected Effects
If enacted, this bill would restrict access to large capacity ammunition feeding devices for the general public. It would also require specific markings on newly manufactured devices. The bill also provides for the use of Byrne grants for buy-back programs of these devices.
Potential Benefits
- Potential reduction in mass shootings and gun violence due to restricted access to high-capacity magazines.
- Increased public safety through limitations on devices capable of rapid and widespread harm.
- Support for law enforcement by allowing continued access to these devices for official duties.
- Funding for buy-back programs to remove existing large capacity ammunition feeding devices from circulation.
- Clearer legal definitions and regulations regarding ammunition feeding devices.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential infringement on Second Amendment rights for law-abiding citizens.
- Increased costs for legal gun owners due to restrictions and potential buy-back programs.
- Possible black market development for prohibited devices.
- Challenges in defining and enforcing the regulations, leading to potential legal disputes.
- Impact on recreational shooting and hunting activities that utilize large capacity magazines.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's alignment with the Second Amendment is a key constitutional consideration. The Second Amendment guarantees the right of the people to keep and bear Arms. The Supreme Court has recognized this right while also acknowledging the government's power to regulate firearms. The extent to which this regulation infringes upon that right would likely be subject to judicial review, considering the 'reasonableness' of the restrictions and whether they unduly burden the right to bear arms for self-defense.
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).