GOSAFE Act
Sponsored By: Senator Heinrich, Martin [D-NM]
Introduced
Summary
This bill would create a federal framework that bans certain gas-operated semi-automatic firearms and most large-capacity ammunition feeding devices. It sets new definitions, criminal penalties, ATF design-approval rules, marking requirements, buy-back funding, and a prohibited-firearm list.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.
Ban on gas-operated guns and magazines
If enacted, the bill would make it illegal to import, sell, make, transfer, receive, or possess many gas-operated semi-automatic firearms in interstate commerce. It would also bar magazines and similar feeding devices that hold or can be converted to hold more than 10 rounds. Violating the ban could bring fines up to $5,000 and up to 12 months in jail. If a person has a banned gun and commits another federal felony, they could face up to $250,000 in fines and 2 to 10 years in prison in addition to other penalties.
New approvals, fees, and dealer rules
If enacted, the Attorney General would publish a list of covered gas-operated guns within 180 days. Once published, licensed dealers would have to record a buyer's acknowledgment of that list before selling non-prohibited firearms. Any new semi-automatic design made after enactment would need Attorney General approval before manufacture and sale, and manufacturers must file detailed applications. The Attorney General must set manufacturer application fees within 60 days and create a trust fund for collected ATF taxes and fees. Denied manufacturers would have a 90-day appeal window and the Attorney General must decide appeals within 180 days.
Buy-back payments using Byrne grants
If enacted, Byrne grant funds could be used to pay people who surrender covered gas-operated firearms or large-capacity devices in buy-back programs. State and local governments would decide whether to run such buy-backs and how much to pay. The law would allow recipients to use Byrne money for these specific buy-back activities.
Exemptions and marking rules for makers
If enacted, the bill would exempt the United States, states, tribes, and certain Atomic Energy licensees and contractors from the bans for specific security and training uses. It would let people keep firearms lawfully made and transferred before enactment and allow some immediate family transfers under strict steps. Licensed importers and manufacturers would have to mark exempted firearms and may not remove or alter serial numbers before transfers.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Heinrich, Martin [D-NM]
NM • D
Cosponsors
Sen. King, Angus S., Jr. [I-ME]
ME • I
Sponsored 4/9/2025
Sen. Kelly, Mark [D-AZ]
AZ • D
Sponsored 4/9/2025
Sen. Bennet, Michael F. [D-CO]
CO • D
Sponsored 4/9/2025
Sen. Kaine, Tim [D-VA]
VA • D
Sponsored 4/9/2025
Sen. Duckworth, Tammy [D-IL]
IL • D
Sponsored 4/9/2025
Sen. Whitehouse, Sheldon [D-RI]
RI • D
Sponsored 4/9/2025
Sen. Shaheen, Jeanne [D-NH]
NH • D
Sponsored 4/9/2025
Sen. Padilla, Alex [D-CA]
CA • D
Sponsored 4/9/2025
Sen. Van Hollen, Chris [D-MD]
MD • D
Sponsored 4/9/2025
Sen. Fetterman, John [D-PA]
PA • D
Sponsored 4/9/2025
Sen. Markey, Edward J. [D-MA]
MA • D
Sponsored 4/9/2025
Sen. Wyden, Ron [D-OR]
OR • D
Sponsored 4/9/2025
Sen. Hirono, Mazie K. [D-HI]
HI • D
Sponsored 4/9/2025
Sen. Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL]
IL • D
Sponsored 5/1/2025
Sen. Schatz, Brian [D-HI]
HI • D
Sponsored 7/22/2025
Sen. Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ]
NJ • D
Sponsored 9/10/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov