Keep Americans Safe Act

Bill Summary: Keep Americans Safe Act (H.R. 1674)

Overview

The Keep Americans Safe Act is a legislative proposal introduced in the 119th Congress designed to reduce gun violence by restricting the availability and use of "large capacity ammunition feeding devices" (commonly known as high-capacity magazines). The bill seeks to establish a federal ban on the manufacture, sale, transfer, and possession of magazines that hold more than 15 rounds of ammunition, while providing specific exemptions for law enforcement and government security.

Key Provisions

1. Definition of Large Capacity Ammunition Feeding Devices

The bill amends Title 18 of the U.S. Code to define a "large capacity ammunition feeding device" as any magazine, belt, drum, feed strip, or helical device that:
* Has a capacity of more than 15 rounds.
* Can be readily restored, changed, or converted to accept more than 15 rounds.
* Exception: This definition specifically excludes tubular devices designed only for .22 caliber rimfire ammunition.

2. Prohibitions and Restrictions

The Act makes it unlawful for any person to import, sell, manufacture, transfer, or possess these devices in interstate or foreign commerce. However, the bill includes several critical exemptions:
* Grandfather Clause: The ban does not apply to devices lawfully possessed on or before the date the Act becomes law.
* Government Agencies: Federal, State, and local government agencies and their political subdivisions may still import, manufacture, and possess these devices.
* Law Enforcement: Qualified law enforcement officers (including campus law enforcement) may possess these devices for official duties, whether on or off-duty.
* Retirees: Retired law enforcement officers in good standing may possess devices provided to them by their agency upon retirement or obtained for official use prior to retirement.
* Security & Testing: Licensees under the Atomic Energy Act may use these devices for physical protection systems. Licensed manufacturers or importers may also use them for testing and experimentation authorized by the Attorney General.

3. Regulation and Enforcement

• Identification Markings: Any large capacity device manufactured after the Act’s enactment must be engraved or cast with a serial number and the date of manufacture.
• Seizure and Forfeiture: The bill expands existing law to allow for the seizure and forfeiture of high-capacity magazines if they are involved in certain crimes.
• Penalties: The Act integrates these restrictions into existing federal firearms penalties.

4. Funding for Buy-Back Programs

The bill amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to allow Byrne grants to be used to fund compensation for citizens who surrender large capacity ammunition feeding devices through official buy-back programs.

Who is Affected?

• General Public: Individuals would be prohibited from purchasing or acquiring new magazines with a capacity over 15 rounds.
• Manufacturers and Importers: Companies producing or importing high-capacity magazines would face a federal ban, except for specialized testing or government contracts.
• Law Enforcement: Police and campus security officers are largely exempt to ensure they maintain operational capabilities.
• Local Governments: Municipalities gain a new funding stream (via Byrne grants) to implement magazine buy-back initiatives.

Procedural Status

• Introduced: February 27, 2025.
• Current Status: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.