Legislation Introduced to Prevent States from Enforcing Firearm Rosters

On July 23, Representatives Darrell Issa (R-CA-48) and Elise Stefanik (R-NY-21) introduced the Modern Firearm Safety Act (H.R. 4676). This legislation would reject the effort by anti-gun radicals to utilize unconstitutional “handgun rosters.” These rosters prevent law-abiding Americans from purchasing newly-release handgun models and attempt to dictate to firearms manufacturers what types of features are acceptable.

This legislation, which Representatives Issa and Stefanik have sponsored in the past, is even more pressing now as Attorney General Rob Bonta of California released a report finding that “firearm microstamping technology is technologically viable.”  Microstamping has been a pipe dream of anti-gun politicians for years, despite the numerous problems that we have highlighted before. This bill would not only prevent states from mandating microstamping, but a myriad of other features that do little to nothing except make firearms more expensive and less accessible to those who wish to purchase them.

“For too long, states like California and New York have attempted to end-run the rights of law-abiding Americans by requiring them to select from a limited, pre-approved 'handgun roster,' solely designed to restrict the sale of new semi-automatic handguns. These rosters mandate unwanted and unnecessary features that go beyond the industry standard, driving up costs while limiting the ability to purchase a safe and reliable firearm best suited for that individual’s situation,” said John Commerford, Executive Director of NRA-ILA. “The NRA thanks Representatives Darrell Issa and Elise Stefanik for their leadership on this issue and applauds the introduction of this vital legislation that would ensure the ability of NRA members and lawful firearm owners everywhere to exercise their Second Amendment rights as they see fit."

“For decades, the clear Constitutional rights of law-abiding gun owners have been targeted for elimination, and handgun rosters are only one of the cynical schemes used to undermine the Second Amendment through the pretense of firearm safety,” said Rep. Issa. “These rosters impose excessive and unnecessary requirements that actually restrict access to firearms equipped with the most up-to-date safety features, and that’s why I’m proud to partner with my friend Rep. Stefanik to defend sacred rights and end these unjust restrictions.”

“I am proud to re-introduce the Modern Firearm Safety Act to end the unconstitutional gun-grabbing agenda thrust on law-abiding New York residents by Far-Left Democrats like Kathy Hochul. This legislation would ban Albany Democrats from imposing illegal handgun roster requirements meant to deter gun ownership. I will always protect American citizens’ Second Amendment rights and provide a critical check to any entity attempting to encroach on their liberties,” said Representative Stefanik.

This legislation has been referred to the House Judiciary Committee. Your NRA-ILA will continue to update you as this legislation makes its way across Capitol Hill.