Bill · S. 4776· Senate(119-S-4776)
Gun Records Restoration and Preservation Act
- Introduced
- 6/11/2026
- Last activity
- 6/11/2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- Sponsored by
- Andy Kim
- Cosponsors
- - 12 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Gun Records Restoration and Preservation Act aims to remove various legal barriers that hinder the administration of firearms laws. It focuses on repealing the Tiahrt Amendments and other restrictions placed on the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The bill removes limits on how database information is used and allows for the processing of Freedom of Information Act requests regarding firearm traces. It also eliminates bans on requiring gun dealers to conduct physical inventory audits. Additionally, the bill allows for the centralization of firearms acquisition and disposition records. Finally, it repeals the requirement that instant criminal background check records be destroyed within 24 hours.
Yes· 3 of 13
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+8
Eliminates prohibitions on FOIA requests regarding firearm traces and explosives incidents.
Does this put more limits on buying or owning guns?+7
Enhances the ability of the ATF to track illegal firearms and conduct audits of dealers.
Would Black Americans be better off under this?+6
Bill explicitly cites that Black victims are disproportionately affected by firearm homicides.
The opposite· 3 of 7
Does this protect people from being watched or searched?-7
Allows the government to retain criminal background check data indefinitely rather than destroying it after 24 hours.
Does this give people more control over their personal data?-6
Eliminates the requirement to destroy background check records within 24 hours, decreasing individual data privacy.
Does this leave more decisions to the states?-5
Shifts more control over firearm record administration and oversight to the federal government.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Increased Public Safety: The bill states that having effective policies to prevent illegal gun trafficking makes communities and families safer (Section 2).
-
Better Law Enforcement Support: Repealing the Tiahrt Amendments is intended to support law enforcement efforts and provide the public with information to create effective policies against illegal guns (Section 2).
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Improved Data for Policy Making: Removing limits on database information and the centralization of records could provide researchers and the public with insights into gun trafficking, straw purchases, and how prohibited purchasers get firearms (Section 2).
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Stronger Oversight of Gun Shops: The bill eliminates the bar preventing the Federal Government from requiring gun shop owners to perform annual inventory audits (Section 2, Section 5).
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Greater Transparency: The bill eliminates the prohibition on processing Freedom of Information Act requests regarding firearm traces, arson, or explosives incidents (Section 4).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Increased Requirements for Gun Dealers: Firearms dealers may be subject to new requirements to conduct physical checks of their firearms inventory (Section 5).
-
Changes to Data Privacy: The repeal of the requirement to destroy instant criminal background check records within 24 hours means this data will be preserved longer (Section 7).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For African Americans+6Good For Hispanic Americans+6Good For Urban Residents+5Good For Low Income Households+4Good For Children+3Good For Middle Aged+3Good For Seniors+3Good For Young Adults+3Good For Business Owners-4Good For Gun Owners-3
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Gun Control Measures+7Improves Racial Equity+4Improves Second Amendment Protections-4
- Education And Technology
- Improves Data Privacy-6
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Increases Domestic Surveillance+5
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Small Business Support-3
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+8Increases Federal Power+6Improves Privacy Rights-7Increase States Rights-5
- 6/11/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- 12 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
3 bills Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Angela AlsobrooksDemocrat · Maryland
Richard BlumenthalDemocrat · Connecticut
Cory BookerDemocrat · New Jersey
Richard DurbinDemocrat · Illinois
Tammy DuckworthDemocrat · Illinois
Kirsten GillibrandDemocrat · New York
Mazie HironoDemocrat · Hawaii
Edward MarkeyDemocrat · Massachusetts
Christopher MurphyDemocrat · Connecticut
Jeff MerkleyDemocrat · Oregon
Alex PadillaDemocrat · California
John ReedDemocrat · Rhode Island