H.R. 1456: Gun Trafficker Detection Act

This bill requires individual gun owners to report lost or stolen firearms to law enforcement.

Specifically, the bill requires gun owners to report a lost or stolen firearm to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) or local law enforcement within 48 hours of discovery. A gun owner who fails to report a lost or stolen firearm is subject to a civil penalty of up to $1,000 for the first violation; a civil penalty of up to $5,000 and a one-year prohibition on receiving a firearm for the second violation; and a civil penalty of up to $5,000 and a five-year prohibition on receiving a firearm for the third or subsequent violation. Further, a gun owner who receives a firearm while subject to a one-year or five-year prohibition on such receipt is subject to criminal penalties—a fine, a prison term of up to one year, or both.

Additionally, the bill prohibits making false statements or misrepresentations with respect to the information required in a report of a lost or stolen firearm. A violation is subject to criminal penalties—a fine, a prison term of up to five years, or both.

Written by the Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress.