To end the epidemic of gun violence and build safer communities by strengthening Federal firearms laws and supporting gun violence research, intervention, and prevention initiatives.
# Gun Violence Prevention and Community Safety Act of 2023 Summary
This comprehensive bill aims to reduce gun violence through federal firearms licensing, expanded background checks, restrictions on certain weapons, and support for violence prevention programs.
## Key Provisions
**Federal Firearm Owner's License**: The bill establishes a new federal licensing system requiring anyone 21 and older to obtain a license before purchasing or possessing firearms. Applicants must pass a background check and complete firearms safety training, including written and hands-on testing. Licenses expire after 10 years and require renewal with updated background checks. Individual states can operate their own licensing systems instead if they meet comparable standards.
**Universal Background Checks and Waiting Periods**: All firearm transfers—including private sales and loans—must go through licensed dealers for background checks, with limited exceptions for family transfers and temporary loans between trusted individuals. Background checks must take at least seven business days to complete, replacing the current three-business-day standard.
**Assault Weapons and Accessories**: The bill bans the manufacture, sale, and transfer of semiautomatic assault weapons and large-capacity magazines (those holding more than 10 rounds), though weapons legally owned before enactment are grandfathered. It also prohibits firearm silencers, bump stocks, and trigger cranks. It bans untraceable "ghost guns" and requires serial numbers on all newly manufactured firearms and 3D-printed firearms.
**Extreme Risk Protection Orders**: The bill establishes both state and federal programs allowing courts to temporarily remove firearms from individuals deemed dangerous to themselves or others. Courts can issue orders after hearings where the individual can be represented by counsel.
**Dealer and Industry Regulations**: Licensed dealers must implement security measures including video surveillance and locked safes, submit annual security certifications, and maintain indefinite records of all firearm transfers—submitted to federal authorities within five business days. The bill increases inspections of dealers and requires background checks for all dealer employees handling firearms. It also eliminates liability protections for firearm manufacturers in certain civil cases and subjects firearms to consumer product safety standards.
**Domestic Violence and Stalking Protections**: The bill expands prohibitions on firearm possession for people convicted of stalking or subject to protective orders, and broadens the definition of domestic violence relationships covered.
**Community Violence Prevention**: The bill authorizes $120 million annually for community-based
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