zli12321/Bills huggingface dataset:
Alternative Ammunition Manufacturing Act

This bill amends the federal criminal code to deem an application received on or after August 1, 2011, to exempt a projectile from classification as armor piercing ammunition to be approved if the Department of Justice (DOJ) does not disapprove it within 60 days after the later of the date the application is received or the date of this bill's enactment.

DOJ shall provide an applicant with detailed findings of fact and the reasons for disapproving an application.

Date: 2015-10-22
Topic: Law and Crime (Other)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Domestic Violence Gun Homicide Prevention Act of 2015

This bill authorizes the Department of Justice's Office of Community Oriented Policing Services to award grants to states to carry out certain policies and procedures that restrict and penalize firearm possession by or transfer to a person subject to a domestic violence protection order or a person convicted of a domestic violence misdemeanor.

Date: 2015-10-22
Topic: Law and Crime (Other)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Reducing Gun Violence in our Neighborhoods Act of 2015

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose an additional tax of $100 on the sale of a firearm by a manufacturer, producer, or importer. Firearm purchases by federal, state, and local governments for law enforcement purposes are exempt from the additional tax.

The bill establishes the Gun Violence Reduction and Mental Health Counseling Trust Fund at the Department of the Treasury. It transfers revenues from the additional tax into the trust fund to support the Community Mental Health Services Block Grant program and the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant program.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) must establish and newly manufactured firearms must meet a national standard for incorporating passive identification capability into all firearms sold in the United States. Passive identification capability means technology that: (1) enables identification by a mobile or fixed reading device, and (2) does not transmit an electronic monitoring or tracking signal.

DOJ's Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives must establish the National Database of Lost and Stolen Firearms.

This bill amends the federal criminal code to require a gun owner to report a lost or stolen firearm to local law enforcement authorities within 48 hours of discovery. Local law enforcement authorities must transmit the report to the national database within seven days.

Date: 2015-10-26
Topic: Law and Crime (Other)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Gun Dealer Accountability Act

This bill amends the federal criminal code to grant discretion to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) to approve an application by, and issue a federal firearms license to, a gun dealer.

Additionally, it authorizes the ATF to conduct more than one compliance inspection during a 12-month period if, in the preceding two years, a court has found that a licensed gun dealer transferred a firearm unlawfully, or the Department of Justice (DOJ) has found that 10 or more firearms used in crimes have been traced back to the dealer.

Finally, the bill amends the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2012, and the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2013, to permit the ATF to require a licensed gun dealer to conduct a physical inventory if, in the preceding two years, a court has found that a licensed gun dealer transferred a firearm unlawfully or DOJ has found that 10 or more firearms used in crimes have been traced back to the dealer.

Date: 2015-10-28
Topic: Law and Crime (Other)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Safe Streets and Representative Police Forces Act of 2015

This bill amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to expand the allowable use of grant funds under the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program to include grants to institutions of higher education (IHEs) to support criminal justice-related majors. It prioritizes grants to predominantly black institutions, historically black colleges and universities, IHEs where at least 40% of students are Latino, and IHEs where at least 40% of students are Native American.

Date: 2015-11-02
Topic: Law and Crime (Other)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Blair Holt's Firearm Licensing and Record of Sale Act of 2015

This bill amends the federal criminal code to prohibit a person from possessing a firearm without a valid license.

It prohibits transferring or receiving a handgun or a semiautomatic firearm that can accept a detachable ammunition feeding device unless the recipient presents a valid, verified firearms license and the dealer records a tracking authorization number. It prescribes firearms transfer reporting and record keeping requirements. DOJ must establish and maintain a federal record of sale system. Additionally, it prohibits: (1) transferring a firearm to any person other than a licensee, unless the transfer is processed through a licensed dealer in accordance with national instant criminal background check system requirements, with exceptions; (2) a licensed manufacturer or dealer from failing to comply with reporting and record keeping requirements of this Act; (3) failing to report the loss or theft of the firearm to DOJ within 72 hours; (4) failing to report to DOJ an address change within 60 days; or (5) keeping a loaded firearm, or an unloaded firearm and ammunition for the firearm, knowingly or recklessly disregarding the risk that a child is capable of gaining access, if a child uses the firearm and causes death or serious bodily injury. It prescribes criminal penalties for violations of firearms provisions. DOJ must: (1) establish and maintain a firearm injury information clearinghouse, (2) conduct continuing studies and investigations of firearm-related deaths and injuries, (3) collect and maintain current production and sales figures of each licensed manufacturer, and (4) study the efficacy of smart gun technology (i.e., technology that prevents an unauthorized person from using a firearm) in the prevention of unintended deaths.

Date: 2015-11-03
Topic: Law and Crime (Other)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Gun Violence Research Act

This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to specifically include injuries from gun violence as a research subject for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Nothing in the CDC's research authorization may be construed to authorize support for advocacy or promotion of gun control.

The CDC must improve the National Violent Death Reporting System, particularly through the voluntary participation of additional states.

Nothing in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act may be construed to prohibit a health care provider from discussing guns or gun safety with a patient or reporting a patient's threat of violence.

Date: 2015-11-04
Topic: Law and Crime (Other)
Subject: Health
Flamethrowers? Really? Act

This bill amends the federal criminal code to add flamethrowers to the list of items regulated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives under the National Firearms Act.

The bill prohibits the transfer, transportation, or possession of flamethrowers.Furthermore, current and retired law enforcement officers are prohibited from carrying the devices.

 The bill alsoprovides enhanced penalties for using, carrying, or possessing a flamethrower during and in relation to a crime of violence or drug trafficking crime.

Date: 2015-11-16
Topic: Law and Crime (Other)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Nondiscriminatory Transportation Screening Act or the TSA Act

This bill requires a concealed handgun license to be treated as a verifying identity document for purposes of aircraft passenger security screening as part of the secure flight program.

The bill prohibits the federal government from collecting or storing information about an individual relating to such a license.

Date: 2015-11-17
Topic: Law and Crime (Other)
Subject: Transportation and public works
No Guns for Terrorists Act of 2015This bill amends the federal criminal code to make it a crime to knowingly sell or transfer a firearm to a known or suspected terrorist, as determined by the Department of Justice. (The Federal Bureau of Investigation administers the Terrorist Screening Center, which maintains the Terrorist Screening Database - the U.S. government's consolidated database of individuals known or reasonably suspected to be involved in terrorist activities.)

Date: 2015-11-18
Topic: Law and Crime (Other)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
This bill requires the Government Accountability Office to evaluate the feasibility of modifying the five-month waiting period for certain individuals entitled to disability insurance benefits by:

 shortening the waiting period for individuals with more severe disabilities or lower annual household income, and shortening or eliminating the waiting period for individuals with a terminal illness.

Date: 2015-11-19
Topic: Law and Crime (Other)
Subject: Social welfare
Tracking Reputations Upgrades Societal Trust Act of 2015 or the TRUST Act of 2015

This bill directs the Department of Justice (DOJ) to include in the annual National Crime Victimization Survey statistics on the level of trust between law enforcement agencies and the residents they serve.

Additionally, DOJ must submit an annual report to Congress that includes recommendations to improve levels of trust that it determines to be problematically low.

Date: 2015-11-19
Topic: Law and Crime (Other)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
This bill directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct a study that examines: (1) the effectiveness of secure gun storage or safety devices, and (2) enforcement of a federal criminal code provision that prohibits a licensed gun dealer from selling or transferring a handgun without also providing a secure gun storage or safety device for the handgun.

The GAO must report results and recommendations to Congress within one year of enactment.

Date: 2015-12-01
Topic: Law and Crime (Other)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Regulatory Agency Demilitarization Act

 This bill prohibits a federal agency from purchasing or using a firearm. The bill excludes the Departments of Defense, Justice, and Homeland Security, the military departments, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the U.S. Capitol Police, the Bureau of Diplomatic Security, and the Central Intelligence Agency.

The Government Accountability Office shall submit to Congress, within 18 months after this Act's enactment, a report that includes:

 information regarding each federal agency that has specialized units that receive special tactical or military-style training or use hard-plated body armor, shields, or helmets and that respond to high-risk situations that fall outside the capabilities of regular law enforcement officers; a description of each such unit; a description of the training and weapons of each such unit; the criteria for activating each such unit and how often each such unit was activated for each of the previous ten years; the annual cost of equipping and operating each such unit; and any other information that is relevant to understanding the usefulness and justification for the units. The bill amends the Inspector General Act of 1978 to repeal provisions authorizing law enforcement powers for an Inspector General, any Assistant Inspector General for Investigations under an Inspector General, and any special agent supervised by such an Assistant Inspector General.

Date: 2015-12-02
Topic: Law and Crime (Other)
Subject: Government operations and politics
Gun Violence Prevention and Safe Communities Act of 2015

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the excise tax on the sale of firearms by manufacturers, producers, or importers, to: (1) increase the rate of such tax to 20% on pistols, revolvers, and other firearms and on any lower frame or receiver for a firearm; and (2) impose a 50% tax on shells and cartridges. The bill exempts any department, agency, or instrumentality of the United States from such tax.

The bill allocates revenues from the increased excise tax under this Act for law enforcement and public safety grant programs, including programs for research on gun violence and its prevention.

The bill: (1) increases the occupational tax on importers, manufacturers, and dealers in firearms and the transfer tax on firearms; and (2) modifies the definition of "firearm" for excise tax purposes to include a semiautomatic pistol chambered for cartridges and configured with receivers commonly associated with rifles and capable of accepting detachable magazines.

Date: 2015-12-10
Topic: Law and Crime (Other)
Subject: Taxation
Protect America Act of 2015

Preventing Terrorists From Obtaining Firearms Act of 2015

This bill amends the federal criminal code to require the Department of Justice (DOJ), after receiving notice of a request to transfer a firearm to a known or suspected terrorist, to: (1) confirm the identity of the prospective transferee and confirm or rule out a connection to terrorism, (2) notify relevant law enforcement or intelligence agencies, and (3) determine whether the prospective transferee is the subject of an ongoing terrorism investigation.

It authorizes DOJ or a U.S. Attorney's Office to delay for up to 72 hours and file an emergency petition to prohibit the firearm transfer.

Preventing Terrorists From Obtaining Explosives Act of 2015

If DOJ receives an application for an explosives permit or license from a known or suspected terrorist, it must: (1) confirm the identity of the applicant and confirm or rule out a connection to terrorism, (2) notify relevant law enforcement or intelligence agencies, and (3) determine whether the applicant is the subject of an ongoing terrorism investigation.

It authorizes DOJ or a U.S. Attorney's Office to delay for up to 90 days and file an emergency petition to prohibit the approval of the application.

The bill requires DOJ to review the terrorist watch and no-fly lists and remove the name of any person whose name was erroneously placed on such lists.

Date: 2015-12-11
Topic: Law and Crime (Other)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Assault Weapons Ban of 2015

This bill amends the federal criminal code to make it a crime to knowingly import, sell, manufacture, transfer, or possess a semiautomatic assault weapon (SAW) or large capacity ammunition feeding device (LCAFD).

The prohibition does not apply to a firearm that is: (1) manually operated by bolt, pump, lever, or slide action; (2) permanently inoperable; (3) an antique; or (4) a rifle or shotgun specifically identified by make and model.

Additionally, the bill does not prohibit, with respect to a SAW or LCAFD:

 importation, sale, manufacture, transfer, or possession related to certain law enforcement efforts, or authorized tests or experiments; importation, sale, transfer, or possession related to securing nuclear materials; and possession by a retired law enforcement officer. The bill permits continued possession, sale, or transfer of a grandfathered SAW, which must be securely stored. A licensed gun dealer must conduct a background check prior to the sale or transfer of a grandfathered SAW between private parties.

The bill permits continued possession of, but prohibits sale or transfer of, a grandfathered LCAFD.

Newly manufactured LCAFDs must display serial number identification. Newly manufactured SAWs and LCAFDs must display the date of manufacture.

The legislation amends the NICS Improvement Amendments Act of 2007 to require law enforcement agencies to be notified when a prohibited person attempts to purchase a grandfathered SAW.

It also amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to allow a state or local government to use Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program funds to compensate individuals who surrender a SAW or LCAFD under a buy-back program.

Date: 2015-12-16
Topic: Law and Crime (Other)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Safer Neighborhoods Gun Buyback Act of 2015 This bill authorizes the Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) to make grants to states, local governments, or gun dealers to conduct gun buyback programs. The BJA may distribute smart prepaid cards for use by a state, local government, or gun dealer to compensate individuals who dispose of firearms.

Additionally, the bill amends the federal criminal code to make it a crime to use or accept a smart prepaid card in the acquisition or transfer of a firearm or ammunition. A violator is subject to a fine, up to two years in prison, or both.

Date: 2015-12-16
Topic: Law and Crime (Other)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Mental Health Access and Gun Violence Prevention Act of 2016

This bill authorizes FY2017 appropriations for the Department of Justice, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the Social Security Administration to: (1) increase access to mental health care treatment and services, and (2) promote reporting of mental health information to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System.

Date: 2016-01-05
Topic: Law and Crime (Other)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Gun Violence Reduction Resources Act of 2016

This bill authorizes the Department of Justice to hire 200 additional agents and investigators for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Date: 2016-01-05
Topic: Law and Crime (Other)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Second Amendment Defense Act of 2016 

This bill prohibits a federal government officer or employee from taking an action that limits an individual's conduct related to firearms or ammunition that is more restrictive than limitations in effect as of January 3, 2016.

Date: 2016-01-05
Topic: Law and Crime (Other)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
NICS Denial Notification Act of 2016 

This bill amends the federal criminal code to require the Department of Justice (DOJ) to report certain information to state and local law enforcement authorities following a determination, by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System, that a prospective firearm purchaser is a prohibited person (i.e., a person who is prohibited from receiving or possessing a firearm).

DOJ must report to Congress on the categories of prohibited persons who are most likely to engage in criminal activity.

Date: 2016-01-05
Topic: Law and Crime (Other)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Separation of Powers Restoration and Second Amendment Protection Act 

This bill expresses the sense of Congress that any executive order, memoranda, proclamation, or signing statement issued by the President that infringes on the powers and duties of Congress under article I, section 8 of the Constitution or the Second Amendment, or that would require the expenditure of federal funds not specifically appropriated for such executive action, is advisory only and has no force or effect unless enacted as law.

The bill nullifies any such executive action and prohibits the use of appropriated funds to promulgate or enforce any such action.

The following persons may bring a civil action in an appropriate U.S. district court to challenge the validity of any such executive action: (1) any Member or either or both chambers of Congress, (2) the highest governmental official of any state or political subdivision if the challenged action infringes on a power of such state under any congressional enactment or relevant treaty, and (3) any person aggrieved of the challenged executive action with respect to a liberty or property interest adversely affected directly by the executive action.

Date: 2016-01-06
Topic: Law and Crime (Other)
Subject: Government operations and politics
DC Personal Protection Reciprocity Act

This bill declares that the prohibitions of the District of Columbia Official Code against carrying a pistol within the District either openly or concealed without a license under D.C. law shall not apply to an individual who is:

 not prohibited by federal law from possessing, transporting, shipping, or receiving a firearm; carrying a valid license or permit for a concealed firearm issued under the law of a state; and carrying a valid identification document containing the individual's photograph. The Metropolitan Police Department, upon application by a person with a bona fide residence or place of business within the United States and a license to carry a concealed pistol under the law of any state or local government, shall issue that person a license to carry a concealed pistol within the District for up to two years from its date of issue, regardless of the applicant's reason for applying for the license.

The bill repeals the condition on the permission for a non-D.C. resident who lives in a state that does not require a license to carry a concealed pistol to apply to the Metropolitan Police Department for a license to carry one within the District for up to two years. The condition repealed states that the non-resident may apply for a license to carry a concealed weapon only if the non-resident meets the same reasons and requirements a person must meet who has a bona fide residence or place of business in the District.

The Metropolitan Police Department shall enter into reciprocity agreements with each other state that requires such an agreement in order to grant recognition to a license to carry a concealed firearm issued by that state.

Date: 2016-01-07
Topic: Law and Crime (Other)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Corey Jones Act of 2016

This bill amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to require an applicant under the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program to certify that no law enforcement agency that receives COPS grant funds allows officers to conduct routine traffic stops while wearing plainclothes or while wearing plainclothes and in an unmarked police vehicle.

The Department of Justice may not waive this so-called plainclothes certification requirement.

If a law enforcement officer's conduct violates the plainclothes certification and results in serious injury or death of a person, then that person may bring a civil action against the law enforcement officer and any state, local, or tribal government that is a COPS program grantee and has direct authority over such officer.

Date: 2016-01-08
Topic: Law and Crime (Other)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Crackdown on Deadbeat Gun Dealers Act of 2016

This bill amends the federal criminal code to authorize the Department of Justice (DOJ) to inspect or examine the inventory and records of a licensed importer, manufacturer, or dealer of firearms to ensure compliance with recordkeeping requirements not more than three times a year (currently, not more than once a year) without reasonable cause and a warrant. It authorizes the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) to hire at least 50 additional personnel to carry out the additional inspections.

It increases to five years the term of imprisonment for knowingly making a false statement or representation in required firearms records. It authorizes up to 10 years' imprisonment for: (1) providing false statements or identification related to the sale or other disposition of a firearm or ammunition, or (2) selling or otherwise disposing of any firearm or ammunition to any person knowing or having reasonable cause to believe that such person is prohibited from possessing a firearm.

The bill authorizes DOJ to suspend a firearms license or subject a licensee to a civil penalty of not more than $10,000 for willfully violating firearms requirements or failing to have secure storage or safety devices available at any place firearms are sold to non-licensees (current law authorizes only license revocation).

It permits a licensed firearms importer, manufacturer, dealer, or collector who is indicted for a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year to continue to operate under the license until the date of any conviction pursuant to the indictment (currently, until any conviction pursuant to the indictment becomes final).

Date: 2016-01-08
Topic: Law and Crime (Other)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Defending Gun Rights Against Executive Overreach Act

This bill prohibits the use of federal funds to: (1) limit an individual's conduct related to firearms in a way that is more restrictive than limitations in effect as of January 5, 2016, or (2) change the operation of the national instant criminal background check system.

Date: 2016-01-13
Topic: Law and Crime (Other)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Equal Access to Justice for Victims of Gun Violence Act

This bill amends the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act to repeal provisions that prohibit state or federal civil actions or administrative proceedings from being brought against firearm or ammunition manufacturers, sellers, importers, dealers, or trade associations for criminal or unlawful misuse of a firearm by the person bringing the action or a third party.

The bill lifts the immunity from legal process of the Firearms Trace System database maintained by the National Trace Center of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. In state or federal civil actions or administrative proceedings, the contents of the database: (1) shall be subject to discovery and admissible as evidence; and (2) may be used, relied on, or disclosed in any manner. Testimony or other evidence may also be permitted based on that data.

Date: 2016-02-01
Topic: Law and Crime (Other)
Subject: Law
Protect Against School Shootings Act or the PASS Act

This bill amends the federal criminal code to permit active and retired law enforcement officers and persons who arelegally allowed to carry a concealed firearm under state law to bring their firearms onto traditionally gun-free school grounds.

Additionally, the bill permits such persons to discharge a firearm in defense of self or others, in a school zone.

Date: 2016-02-11
Topic: Law and Crime (Other)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
POLICE Act of 2016

This bill amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to expand the allowable use of grant funds under the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program to include participation in active shooter training programs.

Date: 2016-02-23
Topic: Law and Crime (Other)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Hate Crimes Prevention Act

This bill amends the federal criminal code to prohibit firearm sale or transfer to and receipt or possession by an individual who has: (1) been convicted of a misdemeanor hate crime, or (2) received an enhanced hate crime misdemeanor sentence.

It defines "misdemeanor hate crime" as a misdemeanor offense that has, as an element, that the conduct was motivated by hate or bias because of the actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability of any person.

An "enhanced hate crime misdemeanor sentence" is an enhanced sentence imposed for a misdemeanor that is based, in whole or in part, on conduct motivated by hate or bias because of the actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability of any person.

Date: 2016-02-24
Topic: Law and Crime (Other)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Officer Sean Collier Campus Police Recognition Act of 2016

This bill amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to expand the definition of public safety officer for purposes of the Public Safety Officers' Benefits Program to include a campus police officer who is employed by an institution of higher education and authorized to enforce criminal laws.

Specifically, the bill extends death, disability, or education benefits to a campus police officer or survivors of a campus police officer who dies or becomes disabled as a result of an injury sustained in the line of duty on or after April 15, 2013.

Date: 2016-03-03
Topic: Law and Crime (Other)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Nicholas and Zachary Burt Memorial Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act of 2016

This bill directs the Consumer Product Safety Commission to establish a grant program to provide assistance to states that require compliant carbon monoxide alarms to be installed in dwelling units.

A "compliant carbon monoxide alarm" is an alarm that complies with: (1) the American National Standard for Single and Multiple Station Carbon Monoxide Alarms, and (2) the American National Standard for Gas and Vapor Detectors and Sensors.

States receiving such grants may use the funds to: (1) purchase and install such alarms in dwelling units of low-income families or elderly persons, childcare facilities, public schools, senior centers, or student dwelling units owned by public universities; (2) train state or local fire code enforcement officials regarding compliance and installation; and (3) educate the public about the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Date: 2016-03-03
Topic: Law and Crime (Other)
Subject: Commerce
Family Firearm Protection Act This bill prohibits a federal government officer or employee from taking an action that limits a firearm transfer between family members, including by way of inheritance, that is more restrictive than limitations in effect as of January 3, 2016.

Date: 2016-03-03
Topic: Law and Crime (Other)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Federal Firefighter Pay Equity Act 

This bill includes in the determination of a federal firefighter's average pay for purposes of computing retirement and annuity benefits one-half of a firefighter's basic hourly rate times the number of overtime hours included in such firefighter's regular tour of duty for a year.

Date: 2016-03-14
Topic: Law and Crime (Other)
Subject: Government operations and politics
Imported Assault Weapons Ban of 2016

This bill amends the federal criminal code to prohibit the importation or assembly of certain semiautomatic firearms (or specified parts of such firearms).

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives must publish a list of firearms banned from importation by the bill.

Date: 2016-03-15
Topic: Law and Crime (Other)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Blue Lives Matter Act of 2016

This bill amends the federal criminal code by expanding hate crimes to include an offense for knowingly causing, or attempting to cause, bodily injuries to individuals because they are police officers or perceived to be police officers. The bill subjects an individual convicted of such an offense to a prison term of up to 10 years, a fine, or both. If death results, or the offense includes kidnapping, aggravated sexual abuse, or an attempt to commit such crimes, or an attempt to kill, the offender is subject to a prison term for life, a fine, or both.

Date: 2016-03-16
Topic: Law and Crime (Other)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Taxpayers Second Amendment Protection Act of 2016

This bill prohibits a federal official or entity from restricting, or imposing a condition on, the lawful possession, storage, or use of a firearm by an individual who is assisted under a federal or federally funded program.

Date: 2016-03-21
Topic: Law and Crime (Other)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
ATF Enforcement Act

This bill amends the federal judicial code to require the Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) to be appointed by the Attorney General. Currently, the Director is appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate.

 Additionally, it amends several appropriations laws to remove limitations on the ATF's authority to conduct activities related to the administration of federal firearms laws.

The amended appropriations laws include:

 the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2016; the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2013; the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2012; the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2010; the Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009; the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2008; the Science, State, Justice, Commerce, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2006; the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2005; and the Consolidated Appropriations Resolution, 2003. The bill removes provisions from these laws that:

 prohibit the consolidation or centralization within the Department of Justice of firearm transfer records maintained by federal firearms licensees; prohibit the imposition of a requirement that firearms dealers conduct a physical inventory; require instant background check records to be destroyed within 24 hours; limit the use of firearms tracing data; limit the processing of Freedom of Information Act requests in connection with arson or explosive incidents or firearm traces; limit denials of applications to import "curios or relics" firearms, parts, or ammunition; prohibit denials of federal firearms licenses due to lack of business activity; prohibit the transfer of functions, missions, or activities to other agencies or departments; prohibit the search of electronic firearm transfer records of federally licensed gun dealers who go out of business; and prohibit denials of applications to import certain non-sporting shotguns.

Date: 2016-04-12
Topic: Law and Crime (Other)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Keep Kids Safe Act of 2016

This bill amends the federal criminal code to prohibit the possession of a firearm by, or the sale or transfer of a firearm to, a person who has been convicted of a misdemeanor sex offense against a minor.

Date: 2016-04-12
Topic: Law and Crime (Other)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Firearms Transfer Improvement Act

This bill amends the federal criminal code to broaden the scope of permissible transfers between a licensed gun dealer and an out-of-state resident.

Current law permits a licensed gun dealer to sell or transfer a rifle or shotgun to an out-of-state resident if the transaction occurs in person and complies with applicable laws of both states. This bill permits a licensed gun dealer to sell or transfer a firearm to an out-of-state resident if the transaction occurs in person and complies with applicable laws of the state in which the gun dealer's place of business is located.

Date: 2016-04-13
Topic: Law and Crime (Other)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
This bill amends the federal criminal code to permit the assembly of a semiautomatic rifle or shotgun that is identical to guns prohibited from importation using imported barrels, muzzle attachments, trigger groups, and triggers.

Additionally, the Department of Justice shall permit the importation of frames, receivers, or barrels for firearms, excluding handguns, if the importation is for repair or replacement purposes.

This bill exempts federal, state, and local governments from prohibitions on the importation of barrels for firearms.

Date: 2016-04-14
Topic: Law and Crime (Other)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Fair Federal Firearms Licensing Act

This bill amends the federal criminal code to require a licensed gun dealer to liquidate the firearms inventory of a business by the end of the 60-day period following the expiration, surrender, or revocation of a federal firearms license.

It defines the term "willfully" with respect to violations of certain federal firearms laws, regulations, or requirements.

Date: 2016-04-14
Topic: Law and Crime (Other)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
This bill prohibits subjecting a licensed gun dealer to a reporting requirement based on the geographic location of the gun dealer's business or the sale of multiple rifles or shotguns to the same person.

Date: 2016-04-21
Topic: Law and Crime (Other)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Hadiya Pendleton and Nyasia Pryear-Yard Gun Trafficking and Crime Prevention Act of 2016

This bill amends the federal criminal code to make trafficking in firearms a crime. Specifically, it prohibits, with respect to two or more firearms, the following:

 transfer to or receipt by a prohibited person or a person who plans a subsequent transfer that results in unlawful use, possession, or disposition of such firearms; providing false statements in connection with the purchase, receipt, or acquisition of such firearms; and directing, promoting, or facilitating such prohibited conduct. A person who commits or conspires to commit a gun trafficking offense is subject to a prison term of up to 20 years (or 25 years if such person also acted as an organizer). 

The U.S. Sentencing Commission must review and, if appropriate, amend the sentencing guidelines and policy statements that apply to persons convicted of trafficking in firearms.

Date: 2016-04-27
Topic: Law and Crime (Other)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Honoring Emergency Response Officers Benefits Reform Act of 2016 or the HERO Benefits Reform Act of 2016

This bill amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to establish, with respect to a public safety officer's death benefits, a rebuttable presumption that: (1) the officer acted properly at the time of injury or death, and (2) specified limitations on the officer's benefits do not apply.

The bill also extends such benefits to fire police officers and fire investigators.

In addition, with respect to an appeal of a determination to deny such benefits, the bill: (1) specifies that the standard of review shall be de novo (without deference to the determination), and (2) establishes certain exceptions to administrative exhaustion limitations.

Date: 2016-04-29
Topic: Law and Crime (Other)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Suppressor Export Act

This bill amends the Arms Export Control Act to provide that a regulation or related implementing policy or practice regarding registration and licensing requirements for manufacturers, exporters, or importers of designated defense articles and defense services may not prohibit the otherwise lawful export for sale or transfer of any firearm silencer or component, if:

 the item may be lawfully manufactured in the United States; and the importing country has a lawful public or private use market for such item and is not listed as a country prohibited from receiving arms exports.

Date: 2016-04-29
Topic: Law and Crime (Other)
Subject: International affairs
Preventing Tragedies Between Police and Communities Act of 2016

This bill requires a state or local government that receives funding under the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) program to train law enforcement officers on de-escalation techniques. The Department of Justice (DOJ) may reduce by up to 20% the JAG allocation of a state or local government that fails to comply.

DOJ must collect data on the efforts of state and local governments to enhance de-escalation training for law enforcement officers.

Additionally, a state or local government that receives JAG program funding must enact a law, policy, or procedure that establishes an affirmative duty on a law enforcement officer to use de-escalation techniques. DOJ must reduce by 15% the JAG allocation of a state or local government that fails to enact such law, policy, or procedure.

 DOJ must issue guidance on compliance with these requirements.

Date: 2016-05-12
Topic: Law and Crime (Other)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Stop Mass Killings By Violent Terrorists Act

This bill amends the federal criminal code to prohibit a federally licensed firearms dealer, importer, or manufacturer from transferring, to a person who is a non-licensee, a large capacity ammunition feeding device, unless: (1) the licensee has conducted a criminal background check of the person, and (2) the Department of Justice (DOJ) has verified the truthfulness of certain written responses given by the person with respect to recent contacts by federal law enforcement authorities.

In addition, the bill prohibits a federally licensed firearms dealer, importer, or manufacturer from transferring, to a person who is a non-licensee, a semiautomatic weapon (for which a criminal background check is already required under current law), unless DOJ has verified the truthfulness of the person's written responses with respect to recent contacts by federal law enforcement authorities.

Date: 2016-06-14
Topic: Law and Crime (Other)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Honoring Hometown Heroes Act

This bill authorizes the governor of a state, territory, or possession of the United States or the Mayor of the District of Columbia to proclaim that the U.S. flag shall be flown at half-staff in the event of the death of a first responder (public safety officer) working in such jurisdiction who dies while serving in the line of duty.

Date: 2016-06-14
Topic: Law and Crime (Other)
Subject: Government operations and politics
Unlawful Gun Buyer Alert Act

This bill amends the NICS Improvement Amendments Act of 2007 to require the national instant criminal background check system to notify certain law enforcement agencies when a firearm is transferred to a person who is subsequently determined to be prohibited from receiving or possessing a firearm.

Date: 2016-06-20
Topic: Law and Crime (Other)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Terrorist Screening Database Improvement Act

This bill amends the federal criminal code to prohibit a firearms sale or transfer to an individual whose name appears in the Terrorist Screening Database (TSDB).

The national instant criminal background check system (i.e., the NICS database) must notify the Department of Justice (DOJ) when a licensed gun dealer requests a background check on a prospective gun buyer whose name appears on the TSDB. DOJ must comply with notice requirements. An individual may bring a civil action in federal court seeking removal from the TSDB.

Additionally, the NICS database must notify the Federal Bureau of Investigation if a licensed gun dealer requests a background check on a prospective gun buyer who is or has been under a federal terrorism investigation.

Date: 2016-06-21
Topic: Law and Crime (Other)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
This bill provides that a major city's law or rule that regulates firearms-related conduct and affects commerce preempts a conflicting state law, regulation, or constitutional requirement.

A major city is a city with a population of at least 500,000 inhabitants.

Date: 2016-06-21
Topic: Law and Crime (Other)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
This bill authorizes the Department of Justice (DOJ) to deny the transfer of a firearm or explosive, or the issuance of an explosives license or permit, to known or suspected terrorists. Specifically, the bill authorizes DOJ to deny those transfers, licenses, or permits if the citizens or permanent residents of the United States are included in the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Terrorist Screening Database's no-fly list or the selectee list.

DOJ and federal, state, and local law enforcement must be notified immediately of requests to transfer a firearm or explosive to a person who is, or in the last five years was, identified on the database.

The bill establishes a judicial review process for appealing a denial by DOJ.

Date: 2016-06-24
Topic: Law and Crime (Other)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Freedom From Fear Act

 This bill reinstates repealed provisions of the federal criminal code that ban the manufacture, transfer, or possession of specified semiautomatic assault weapons.

Date: 2016-07-01
Topic: Law and Crime (Other)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
This bill amends the federal criminal code to exclude from certain minimum sentencing requirements a federal employee outside the United States who, while on-duty, uses, carries, or possesses an agency-issued firearm in a crime of violence.

Date: 2016-07-07
Topic: Law and Crime (Other)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Stop Taxing the Second Amendment Act of 2016

This bill prohibits a state or local government from imposing a tax on a firearm or ammunition sale that affects interstate commerce.

Additionally, it prohibits a state or local government from imposing a new tax or increasing an existing tax on a background check incident to a firearm or ammunition sale.

Date: 2016-07-07
Topic: Law and Crime (Other)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
This bill authorizes the Department of Justice (DOJ) to deny the transfer of a firearm or explosive, or the issuance of an explosives license or permit, to known or suspected terrorists. Specifically, the bill authorizes DOJ to deny those transfers, licenses, or permits if the citizens or permanent residents of the United States are included in the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Terrorist Screening Database's no-fly list or the selectee list.

DOJ and federal, state, and local law enforcement must be notified immediately of requests to transfer a firearm or explosive to a person who is, or in the last five years was, identified on the database.

The bill establishes a judicial review process for appealing a denial by DOJ.

Date: 2016-07-08
Topic: Law and Crime (Other)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Help End Assault Rifle Tragedies (HEART) Act of 2016

This bill amends the federal criminal code to make it a crime to knowingly transfer, loan, or dispose of a machinegun or semiautomatic assault weapon to an individual who is known or reasonably believed to be less than 16 years of age.

It defines the term "semiautomatic assault weapon."

A violator is subject to a fine, up to 10 years in prison, or both.

Date: 2016-07-12
Topic: Law and Crime (Other)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Public Safety Officers' Benefits Improvement Act of 2016

This bill amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to revise requirements for the Public Safety Officers' Benefits (PSOB) program. (The PSOB program provides death, disability, and education benefits to public safety officers and survivors of public safety officers who are killed or injured in the line of duty.)

It authorizes the Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) to establish PSOB program rules, regulations, and procedures based on standards developed by another federal agency.

In determining a claimant's eligibility for death or disability benefits, the BJA must give substantial weight to evidence and facts presented by a state, local, or federal agency.

The BJA must also publish and update information on pending claims and report to Congress on submitted claims for death, disability, and educational benefits.

This section extends the age limitation for a PSOB claim for death, disability, or education benefits that is approved more than one year after the date on which it was filed.

The BJA must attempt to obtain necessary documentation to determine a claimant's eligibility for death, disability, or education benefits. If it cannot determine eligibility due to a lack of documentation from a third party (e.g., a public agency), then the BJA may abandon the claim only after it utilizes investigative tools, including subpoenas, to obtain the information.

The bill establishes a rebuttable presumption that a public safety officer acted properly at the time of injury or death and that no specified limitation (e.g., voluntary intoxication at the time of injury or death) bars the payment of death or disability benefits. The BJA may rebut the presumption by clear and convincing evidence to the contrary.

Date: 2016-07-12
Topic: Law and Crime (Other)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
This bill directs the Department of Justice to establish the Office of Non-Lethal Technologies and Techniques to coordinate, develop, and refine non-lethal technologies and techniques.

 It authorizes the office to award matching grants to state and local law enforcement agencies to purchase non-lethal force technologies and to promote and train officers in the use of non-lethal technologies, strategies, and techniques.

The General Services Administration must identify savings to offset the cost of the grant program.

Date: 2016-07-13
Topic: Law and Crime (Other)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement