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Stricter Penalties for Illegal Firearms Trafficking and Straw Purchasing

This act introduces new offenses and increases penalties for illegally purchasing firearms for others (straw purchasing) and for firearms trafficking. Its goal is to enhance public safety by making it harder for prohibited individuals, such as criminals or those under court orders, to obtain firearms. Citizens should be aware that providing firearms to unauthorized individuals will be severely punished.
Key points
Establishes a new offense: straw purchasing of firearms, punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
Increases the penalty to up to 25 years if the straw-purchased firearm is intended for a violent crime.
Creates a new offense: firearms trafficking, punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
Allows for the forfeiture of property and proceeds derived from illegal firearms trafficking.
Prohibits law enforcement from transferring operable firearms to drug cartel agents unless continuously monitored.
The act does not permit the establishment of a federal firearms registration system.
article Official text account_balance Process page
Expired
Citizen Poll
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Additional Information
Print number: 117_S_878
Sponsor: Sen. Leahy, Patrick J. [D-VT]
Process start date: 2021-03-22
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

Stop Illegal Trafficking in Firearms Act of 2021

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 117_S_878.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the Senate.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2021-03-22.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • Establishes a new offense: straw purchasing of firearms, punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
  • Increases the penalty to up to 25 years if the straw-purchased firearm is intended for a violent crime.
  • Creates a new offense: firearms trafficking, punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
  • Allows for the forfeiture of property and proceeds derived from illegal firearms trafficking.
  • Prohibits law enforcement from transferring operable firearms to drug cartel agents unless continuously monitored.
  • The act does not permit the establishment of a federal firearms registration system.
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 Sen. Leahy, Patrick J. [D-VT].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Introduced in Senate

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2025-12-29.

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