Gun Trafficker Detection Act

The Gun Trafficker Detection Act would require individual gun owners to report lost or stolen firearms to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) or local law enforcement within 48 hours of discovery. Gun owners who fail to report would face escalating penalties: up to $1,000 for a first violation, up to $5,000 and a one-year prohibition on receiving firearms for a second violation, and up to $5,000 and a five-year prohibition for a third or subsequent violation. Making false statements in such reports would be subject to criminal penalties including fines and up to five years in prison.

If enacted, the bill would direct the ATF to create a web-based portal for reporting lost or stolen firearms and require states to dedicate at least 5% of certain federal justice grant funds to collecting and managing data about lost or stolen firearms reported to local law enforcement. The bill is currently in the early stages of the legislative process, having been introduced in the House in February 2025 and referred to committee for consideration.