MASS Act
Sponsored By: Representative Pressley, Ayanna [D-MA-7]
Introduced
Summary
Creates a federal framework for state-run firearms and dealer licensing. The bill would require state-issued licenses to buy, rent, lease, or possess firearms and ammunition, set who is prohibited through background checks and standards such as domestic violence and extreme-risk protection orders, and fund states with three-year grants to build and maintain the system.
Show full summary
- Families and gun owners: Households would need a state firearms license at purchase and while owning a gun. First-time applicants must complete safety training and people under extreme-risk or domestic violence protection orders must surrender or transfer covered firearms and ammunition.
- Dealers and sellers: Individuals or businesses that meet a State-set sales threshold would need a firearms dealer license. States may set the minimum number of annual sales but not above 10, and may require permanent business locations, sales records, employee background checks, reporting of all transactions, and inspections.
- States and law enforcement: States would apply to the Assistant Attorney General for grants that last three fiscal years to implement licensing and reporting systems. Grants must be used for licensing work, recipients must submit annual reports and return unspent funds, and no more than 2 percent of grant funds may be used for salaries and administrative expenses.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 1 mixed.
Mandatory gun surrender after revocation or orders
If enacted, people whose covered license is revoked, suspended, or denied would have to surrender or transfer all guns and ammunition covered by the license. People subject to an extreme risk protection order or a domestic violence protection order would also have to give up guns and ammo. States would set the surrender or transfer procedures and timing.
New state firearms licensing rules
If enacted, states would have to set up a full licensing system for covered firearms and dealer licenses. You would need a firearms license to buy, rent, lease, or possess a firearm. First-time applicants would need safety training and a thorough background check. States would set who is prohibited (for example, certain criminal records, hospital commitments, or domestic violence orders) and must offer timely judicial review.
Federal grants for state licensing
If enacted, the Justice Department would be able to give grants to states to set up or maintain state firearms and dealer licensing systems. Grants would be awarded for up to three fiscal years. States must apply, submit yearly reports, and return money not used for allowed purposes. Up to 2% of funds in any year may pay the department's admin salaries.
New dealer license rules for sellers
If enacted, people or businesses that sell, rent, or lease at least a State-set minimum number of guns would need a dealer license. No state may set that trigger above 10 firearms per calendar year. Dealers would face background checks, recordkeeping, employee checks, possible facility rules, and reporting of all gun and ammunition sales. States could require a separate ammunition dealer license if the same requirements apply.
New safe storage rules for guns
If enacted, you could not store a firearm unless it is in a locked container or fitted with a tamper-resistant lock or safety device that renders it inoperable to others. Carrying a gun or keeping it under your control would not count as storage. States would set details on how this is enforced. You may need to buy locks, lockboxes, or safes to comply.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Pressley, Ayanna [D-MA-7]
MA • D
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov