GOSAFE Act

Support for Buy-Back Programs: Section 3 amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to allow Byrne grants to be used for compensation programs that buy back surrendered gas-operated semi-automatic firearms and large capacity ammunition feeding devices. This could benefit local communities by offering financial incentives to remove certain firearms from circulation.

Exemptions for Security and Government Entities: Section 2, through new subsections 922(v)(2) and 922(w)(3), exempts government entities, tribes, and specific licensees under the Atomic Energy Act from the prohibitions on these firearms and feeding devices. This ensures that official security operations and authorized personnel can maintain required protection systems.

Allowance for Family Transfers: Section 2, through new subsection 922(v)(2)(D), permits the transfer of a lawfully possessed gas-operated semi-automatic firearm to an immediate family member, provided the transfer goes through a licensed importer, manufacturer, or dealer who follows background check requirements. This allows families to keep previously owned firearms under specific regulated conditions.

New Prohibitions and Criminal Penalties: Section 2 and Section 4 create new federal offenses and penalties under sections 922(v), 922(w), and 924(a) for importing, selling, manufacturing, transferring, receiving, or possessing certain gas-operated semi-automatic firearms and large capacity ammunition feeding devices. Violating these rules can result in fines up to $5,000, imprisonment for up to 12 months, or both, which places a heavy legal and financial burden on individuals who possess these items.

Restrictions on Ammunition Feeding Devices: Section 2, through new subsection 922(w), makes it unlawful to possess large capacity ammunition feeding devices manufactured after the date of enactment, and bans the transfer of previously owned devices. This restricts individuals from acquiring or transferring magazines and similar devices that hold more than 10 rounds of ammunition.

Additional Penalties During Other Offenses: Section 4 adds new subsection 924(a)(9)(B), which states that anyone who commits or attempts to commit another federal offense carrying a prison term over one year while possessing a prohibited gas-operated semi-automatic firearm faces an additional fine of up to $250,000 and an extra prison sentence of two to ten years. This significantly increases prison time and fines for individuals caught with these firearms during other legal violations.