Ammunition Safety Act of 1997
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (22 Apr 1997): Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime.
What this bill does
The Ammunition Safety Act of 1997, introduced in the House of Representatives, proposes changes to federal firearms laws concerning ammunition. It would include individuals who sell ammunition under the definition of "dealer" and subject them to licensing requirements, with a $10 annual fee for most ammunition dealers. The bill also aims to increase penalties for certain federal firearms violations and make parts of the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act applicable to ammunition transfers.
Furthermore, the bill would require the Secretary of the Treasury to establish uniform standards for testing and rating the destructive capacity of handgun projectiles. Based on these standards, the Secretary would define "armor piercing ammunition" and test such ammunition at the manufacturer's expense. The bill prohibits the possession or use of armor piercing ammunition, with exceptions, and allows for the manufacture, importation, or use of projectiles that test below the armor-piercing threshold. Congress could also exempt sporting ammunition from this definition.
This bill was introduced on April 16, 1997, by Representative Joseph Patrick Kennedy and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. Its current status is "Introduced," meaning it has not yet progressed through the legislative process.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Ammunition Safety Act of 1997 - Amends the Federal criminal code to include persons selling ammunition within the definition of "dealer" for purposes of Federal firearms laws. Subjects dealers in ammunition to licensing requirements applicable to firearms dealers. Sets a $10 per year license fee for dealers in ammunition other than ammunition for destructive devices. Applies to ammunition specified prohibitions currently applicable to importing, manufacturing, dealing in, transporting, or receiving firearms without a license. Increases penalties for specified violations of Federal firearms provisions. Subjects any person at least 18 years of age who violates provisions regarding shipping, transporting, possessing, or receiving a firearm or ammunition by specified categories of persons (such as fugitives and illegal aliens) to twice the maximum punishment authorized and at least twice any term of supervised release, except to the extent a greater minimum sentence is otherwise provided. Makes specified provisions of the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act applicable to the transfer of ammunition. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury: (1) to establish uniform standards for testing and rating the destructive capacity of projectiles capable of being used in handguns; (2) utilizing such standards, to establish performance-based standards to define the rating of "armor piercing ammunition" based on the rating at which the projectiles pierce armor; and (3) at the expense of the ammunition manufacturer seeking to sell a particular type of ammunition, to test and rate the destructive capacity of the ammunition utilizing such standards. Defines "armor piercing ammunition" to include any projectile determined to have a destructive capacity rating higher than the threshold established, in addition to the composition-based determination. Authorizes the Congress to exempt specific ammunition designed for sporting purposes from such definition. Prohibits the possession or use of armor piercing ammunition, with exceptions. Permits the manufacture, importation, or use of any projectile that has been proven, by testing performed at the expense of the manufacturer, to have a lower rating threshold than armor piercing ammunition.
Timeline
22 Apr 1997
Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 1349 do?
- The Ammunition Safety Act of 1997, introduced in the House of Representatives, proposes changes to federal firearms laws concerning ammunition. It would include individuals who sell ammunition under the definition of "dealer" and subject them to licensing requirements, with a $10 annual fee for most ammunition dealers. The bill also aims to increase penalties for certain federal firearms violations and make parts of the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act applicable to ammunition transfers. Furthermore, the bill would require the Secretary of the Treasury to establish uniform standards for testing and rating the destructive capacity of handgun projectiles. Based on these standards, the Secretary would define "armor piercing ammunition" and test such ammunition at the manufacturer's expense. The bill prohibits the possession or use of armor piercing ammunition, with exceptions, and allows for the manufacture, importation, or use of projectiles that test below the armor-piercing threshold. Congress could also exempt sporting ammunition from this definition. This bill was introduced on April 16, 1997, by Representative Joseph Patrick Kennedy and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. Its current status is "Introduced," meaning it has not yet progressed through the legislative process.
- Has H.R. 1349 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 1349. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.R. 1349?
- H.R. 1349 was sponsored by Rep. Kennedy, Joseph P., II [D-MA-8] (D-MA), with 9 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 1349?
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime. (22 Apr 1997).
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