Democrats in Congress have proposed new legislation that will ban “high-capacity” magazines.
The proposed legislation is called the Keep Americans Safe Act and will ban the sale, possession, transfer, manufacturing, and importation of magazines holding 10 rounds or more. The legislation is being brought forward by Senator Bob Menendez and Representatives; Diana DeGette, Ted Deutch, and Dina Titus.
From Yahoo News:
Magazines holding more than 10 rounds were banned for 10 years under the Federal Assault Weapons Ban of 1994. “We cannot clearly credit the ban with any of the nation’s recent drop in gun violence,” the Department of Justice-funded study concluded in 2004. “Should it be renewed, the ban’s effects on gun violence are likely to be small at best and perhaps too small for reliable measurement.”
The legislation would also authorize a “high-capacity” magazine buyback program; require any “high-capacity” magazines manufactured after the bill is enacted to have a “conspicuous serial number” and date of manufacture printed on it, so that it can be identified by law enforcement; and ensure law enforcement agencies have the authority to “seize and destroy high-capacity magazines possessed illegally.”
The bill would also prevent coupled or joined magazines.
The lawmakers said it would not ban the continued possession of any magazine that someone currently possesses, and noted that owners of such devices “would be allowed to keep the high-capacity magazines they already have,” but would not be allowed to transfer or sell them to anyone.
Banning “high-capacity” magazines has been a top priority for gun control advocates. This legislation came soon after Biden announced his proposals for gun control and nominated David Chipman to lead the ATF. President Joe Biden has called the current situation revolving around gun violence a “national embarrassment” and a “public health crisis.”
