119th (2025–2027)
H.R. 1698
This bill restricts public access to federal firearms trace data and gun dealer records, while creating penalties for unauthorized disclosures. The legislation amends the Freedom of Information Act to exempt the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives' Firearms Trace System database and gun dealer records from public disclosure requirements. It establishes financial penalties of $10,000 for first violations and $25,000 for subsequent violations by state, local, tribal, or foreign agencies that improperly release this information, and allows the Attorney General to temporarily revoke their access to the database. Additionally, the bill grants licensed gun dealers a private right of action to sue any entity—government or otherwise—that unlawfully discloses their protected information, entitling successful plaintiffs to triple damages or a minimum of $25,000 per disclosure, plus punitive damages and attorney's fees. This legislation directly affects gun dealers and their businesses while limiting transparency around firearms data.