WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) announced her co-sponsorship of the Keep Americans Safe Act, legislation to prohibit the importation, sale, manufacturing, transfer, or possession of gun magazines that hold more than ten rounds of ammunition.
“We must take commonsense steps in order to prevent widespread gun violence from continuing to impact our communities,” said Senator Rosen. “This legislation banning high capacity magazines would help curb mass shootings and other instances of gun-related violence. I will continue working with my colleagues on legislation that protects our communities.”
BACKGROUND: The Keep Americans Safe Act would prohibit the possession or transfers of high or large-capacity ammunition magazines; providing limited exceptions for devices possessed before enactment and for certain current and former law enforcement. The bill requires devices manufactured after enactment to have easily visible serial numbers and date of manufacture labeling to assist law enforcement in easily identifying restricted magazines. The bill also authorizes high-capacity magazine buyback programs through the use of Byrne JAG grants. Congress banned large-capacity ammunition feeding devices (LCAFDs) in 1994, but that ban lapsed in 2004. This legislation would prohibit the transfer, importation, or possession of magazines that can hold more than 10 rounds of ammunition. The Keep Americans Safe Act does not apply to any magazines or devices that are legally owned at the time of enactment, and it does not apply to military or law enforcement officers who use these devices in their official capacity.
Rosen co-sponsored identical legislation last Congress and co-led the bill when she served in the House of Representatives, helping to introduce the bill the week after the 1 October shooting in Las Vegas, the deadliest mass shooting in modern American history.
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