WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) announced her co-sponsorship of the Keep Americans Safe Act, which would prohibit the transfer, importation, or possession of gun magazines that are able to hold more than 10 rounds of ammunition.
“High-capacity magazines are deadly accessories that are only meant to wreak havoc, and they make it nearly impossible for law enforcement to respond to active shooters,” said Senator Rosen. “This legislation will take meaningful action to reduce widespread gun violence. We can find sensible ways to prevent gun violence while still respecting Second Amendment rights and I will continue working on these commonsense solutions so that we can keep Nevadans safe.”
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.
Last Congress, in the wake of the tragic October 1 massacre in Las Vegas – the deadliest mass shooting in modern American history — then-Congresswoman Rosen supported identical legislation, the Keep Americans Safe Act of 2017. 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.
In 2016, Clark County Sheriff Joe Lombardo supported a ban on high-capacity magazines saying, “there’s no need to have a high-capacity magazine for any practical reason.” According to the Las Vegas Metro Police Department, an increase in gun violence has contributed to the murder rate rising to its highest level in 20 years.
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