# Plain Language Summary: Prosecuting Gun Crimes Saves Lives Act

This bill directs the federal government to crack down on illegal gun purchases and possession by increasing prosecutions and investigations. Right now, when someone who's legally prohibited from owning a gun tries to buy one, they often get denied at the background check. But according to the bill, very few of these people actually get prosecuted—in 2017, out of over 112,000 denied gun purchases, only 12 cases were prosecuted. This bill aims to change that by giving federal prosecutors and law enforcement more resources and direction to go after people who illegally try to buy guns or possess them when they're not allowed to.

The bill creates several new programs and funding streams to make this happen. It establishes a "Prosecute Gun Crimes Program" in the 15 U.S. cities with the highest gun homicide rates (plus three tribal jurisdictions), requiring federal prosecutors to dedicate at least one attorney to firearms cases in each location. It also funds grants to states to investigate and prosecute illegal gun purchases, and creates a special task force focused specifically on convicted felons who try to illegally buy firearms. Additionally, the bill requires federal law enforcement to share information about denied gun purchases with state and local police through fusion centers, so local officers can follow up on people who tried to illegally obtain guns.

The bill allocates about $15 million annually for federal prosecutors and ATF agents to focus on gun crimes, plus up to $7 million per year for state grants. It also requires the Justice Department to report to Congress each year on how many people are being prosecuted for federal firearms violations and whether those numbers are increasing. The underlying idea is that by prioritizing these prosecutions and giving agencies the tools and manpower to pursue them, the government can deter illegal gun purchases and keep firearms out of the hands of people prohibited from owning them.

Prosecuting Gun Crimes Saves Lives Act

Prosecuting Gun Crimes Saves Lives Act This bill establishes requirements and authorities for the Department of Justice to take certain actions to address the illegal purchase and possession of firearms, including by authorizing grants and establishing task forces to increase investigations and prosecutions of relevant offenses.