Gun Shop Safety Act of 1997
Latest action (17 Jun 1997): Introduced
What this bill does
The Gun Shop Safety Act of 1997 would direct the Secretary of the Treasury, acting through the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, to issue federal regulations setting minimum safety and security standards for licensed firearms dealers. These standards would cover physical features of a dealer's place of business—such as windows, doors, storage rooms, containers, and alarm systems—as well as procedures for storing and handling firearms. The bill cites congressional findings that thousands of firearms have been stolen from licensed dealers and that stolen guns are frequently used in crimes.
The bill would primarily affect federally licensed firearms dealers, who would be required to comply with the new security standards once regulations are issued. It also authorizes ATF to conduct compliance inspections of a dealer's business location up to once every 12 months specifically to verify adherence to these standards. Dealers who knowingly fail to comply with the regulations would be subject to criminal penalties under existing federal firearms law.
S. 922 was introduced in the Senate on June 17, 1997, by Senator Frank Lautenberg and referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee. It did not receive a committee vote or further action, and the bill did not become law.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Gun Shop Safety Act of 1997 - Amends the Federal criminal code to direct the Secretary of the Treasury, within one year after enactment of this Act, to issue minimum firearm safety and security standards that shall apply to licensed firearms dealers. Authorizes the Secretary to inspect the premises of such dealers to ensure compliance with such standards. Provides penalties for noncompliance.
Common questions
- What does S. 922 do?
- The Gun Shop Safety Act of 1997 would direct the Secretary of the Treasury, acting through the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, to issue federal regulations setting minimum safety and security standards for licensed firearms dealers. These standards would cover physical features of a dealer's place of business—such as windows, doors, storage rooms, containers, and alarm systems—as well as procedures for storing and handling firearms. The bill cites congressional findings that thousands of firearms have been stolen from licensed dealers and that stolen guns are frequently used in crimes. The bill would primarily affect federally licensed firearms dealers, who would be required to comply with the new security standards once regulations are issued. It also authorizes ATF to conduct compliance inspections of a dealer's business location up to once every 12 months specifically to verify adherence to these standards. Dealers who knowingly fail to comply with the regulations would be subject to criminal penalties under existing federal firearms law. S. 922 was introduced in the Senate on June 17, 1997, by Senator Frank Lautenberg and referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee. It did not receive a committee vote or further action, and the bill did not become law.
- Has S. 922 become law?
- Not yet. As of 17 Jun 1997, S. 922 is introduced.
- Who sponsored S. 922?
- S. 922 was sponsored by Sen. Frank Lautenberg [D-NJ, 2003-2013] (Democrat-NJ), with 0 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S. 922?
- Introduced (17 Jun 1997).
Related bills in Crime and Law Enforcement
Safe Cloud Storage Act
Prison Staff Safety Enhancement Act
BOP Direct-Hire Authority Act
Officer Leslie Coffelt U.S. Secret Service Police Act of 2026
Bill100 mirrors the public U.S. legislative record from Congress.gov and GovTrack and adds plain-English AI summaries. It is an information tool, not legal, compliance or lobbying advice, and it is not affiliated with the U.S. Congress or any government agency. AI summaries can simplify or omit detail — every bill links to the official source; verify there before you rely on it.