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Increased Accountability for Gun Dealers: New Rules and Penalties

This act increases oversight of firearms dealers by introducing more inspections and stricter penalties for violations. The goal is to enhance public safety by hindering illegal gun trafficking and ensuring dealers comply with regulations. Citizens may experience greater security due to better enforcement of gun laws.
Key points
The number of allowed compliance inspections for firearms dealers will increase from once to three times per year.
Prison sentences for firearms violations can increase from one year to five years, and up to ten years for serious recordkeeping offenses aiding gun trafficking.
The Attorney General can suspend or revoke a dealer's license or impose civil penalties up to $10,000 per violation, including failure to provide secure gun storage devices.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is authorized to hire at least 80 additional employees for inspections.
Authorities can require dealers to conduct a physical inventory if convicted of unlawful firearm transfer or if 10 or more crime guns are traced back to them.
New criteria for denying a license application are introduced if issuing it would pose a danger to public safety or if the applicant is unlikely to comply with the law.
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Expired
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No votes cast
Additional Information
Print number: 117_HR_4271
Sponsor: Rep. Langevin, James R. [D-RI-2]
Process start date: 2021-06-30
Lustra uses Artificial Intelligence. Verify details in source documents.
Summarized by: gemini-2.5-flash-preview-05-20
Source data: api.congress.gov
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OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

Keeping Gun Dealers Honest Act of 2021

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 117_HR_4271.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the House of Representatives.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2021-06-30.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • The number of allowed compliance inspections for firearms dealers will increase from once to three times per year.
  • Prison sentences for firearms violations can increase from one year to five years, and up to ten years for serious recordkeeping offenses aiding gun trafficking.
  • The Attorney General can suspend or revoke a dealer's license or impose civil penalties up to $10,000 per violation, including failure to provide secure gun storage devices.
  • The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is authorized to hire at least 80 additional employees for inspections.
  • Authorities can require dealers to conduct a physical inventory if convicted of unlawful firearm transfer or if 10 or more crime guns are traced back to them.
  • New criteria for denying a license application are introduced if issuing it would pose a danger to public safety or if the applicant is unlikely to comply with the law.
What is the specific legal status?

The current status is Expired.

Where can I read the full text of this legislation?

The full official text is available at: View full text

Who is the primary sponsor?

The primary sponsor is Rep. Langevin, James R. [D-RI-2].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security.

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2025-12-28.

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