# Understanding the Bump Stock Loophole Bill

This bill would treat bump stocks the same way the government treats machine guns—as heavily regulated weapons that require registration and special permits. A bump stock is a device that attaches to a regular semi-automatic rifle and makes it fire much faster, essentially turning it into something that shoots almost like a machine gun. Right now, there's confusion about whether bump stocks are legal because they're not technically machine guns, even though they can make a gun fire rapidly. This bill closes that gap by officially classifying bump stocks as regulated firearms.

Here's what would actually change: If you own a bump stock today, you'd have one year from when this law passes to register it with the federal government, similar to how people register machine guns. After that one-year grace period, possessing an unregistered bump stock would be illegal. Anyone trying to buy a new bump stock would face the same restrictions as buying a machine gun—which means going through extensive background checks, paying a federal tax, getting approval from local law enforcement, and waiting for federal approval. Essentially, bump stocks would become nearly impossible for regular people to legally obtain.

The practical effect is that bump stocks would become extremely rare and heavily tracked by the government. This is a direct response to mass shootings where bump stocks were used to increase a weapon's firing rate. Gun rights advocates argue this restricts Second Amendment rights, while supporters say it's a reasonable safety measure that doesn't ban guns themselves, just a device that makes them more dangerous. Either way, if this passes, anyone currently owning a bump stock would need to register it quickly or face federal criminal penalties.

Closing the Bump Stock Loophole Act of 2023

Titus, Dina

Closing the Bump Stock Loophole Act of 2023 This bill subjects bump stocks to regulation under federal firearms laws. Specifically, the bill adds bump stocks to the list of firearms subject to regulation (e.g., registration and licensing requirements) under the National Firearms Act. Additionally, it includes bump stocks in the list of firearms subject to regulation (e.g., background check requirements) under the Gun Control Act of 1968.