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Congress·In Committee·about 1 year ago

Congress Proposes $25,000 Fines and Lawsuits for Leaking Federal Gun Trace Data

Legislative Progress

✓ Filed
Review
House
Senate
President

Impact Analysis

Scores: 1 = low, 5 = highSentiment: -5 to +5 (net benefit)

State Impacts

Scores: 1 = low, 5 = highSentiment: -5 to +5 (net benefit)

Key Points

  • This bill would stop the public from using public records requests to get information from the national database that tracks guns used in crimes. It makes this tracking data and records kept by gun dealers strictly confidential under federal law.
  • State and local governments that release this protected gun data would face fines of up to $25,000 per violation. If an agency breaks the rules multiple times, the federal government could block them from using the gun tracking system for one year.
  • Licensed gun dealers would be allowed to sue government agencies if their business information is shared illegally. Dealers could win triple the amount of money they lost from the leak, or $25,000 for every piece of information that was shared.
  • The bill removes the government's usual protection from being sued in these cases. This means a gun shop could take a federal, state, or local agency to court if that agency leaks sensitive records about the shop's inventory or sales history.
  • Supporters of the change say it protects the privacy of law-abiding business owners and keeps sensitive police data safe. Critics often argue that keeping this data secret makes it harder for the public to see which stores sell the most guns used in crimes.
Gun PolicyCriminal JusticeCivil Rights

Milestones

2 milestones2 actions
Feb 27, 2025House

Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Feb 27, 2025

Introduced in House

Related News

2 articles
Gun Tests·8 months ago

FFL "Name and Shame" ATF Program Is Ending

U.S. Rep. Clay Higgins' introduction of H.R. 1698, the Law Enforcement Protection and Privacy Act, would enhance safeguards for protected firearm trace data. The bill provides accountability for individuals who purposefully and unlawfully release sensitive law enforcement information.

CR+
GunsAmerica·9 months ago

ATF to End Controversial Demand 2 Program

The end of Demand 2 comes amid renewed legislative support to keep trace data private. NSSF has thrown its support behind Rep. Clay Higgins' bill, H.R. 1698, the Law Enforcement Protection and Privacy Act. The measure would reinforce the Tiahrt Amendment by holding violators accountable.

R+

Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

Law Enforcement Protection and Privacy Act of 2025

Bill NumberHR 1698
Congress119th Congress
ChamberHouse of Representatives
Latest ActionReferred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Sponsor

Cosponsors

(23)
R: 23

Analysis generated by AI. While we strive for accuracy, this should not be considered legal or professional advice. Always verify information with official government sources.