Legislation Search

H.R. 3373: Gun Hardware Oversight and Shipment Tracking Act of 2025

The bill titled the "Gun Hardware Oversight and Shipment Tracking Act of 2025," also referred to as the "GHOST Act of 2025," aims to create a system for monitoring the transportation and shipment of firearm parts across state lines. Here are the key components of the bill:

Establishment of Reporting System

The bill mandates the creation of a program known as the Federal Interstate Firearm Parts Reporting System managed by the Attorney General. This system will help law enforcement in tracking the movement of specific firearm components during their shipment or transportation in interstate or foreign commerce.

Registration Requirements

Entities involved in shipping or transporting covered firearm components are required to:

Register in advance: Provide details such as their identity, and the recipient's information, and include a method of shipment within 5 business days before the shipment.
Confirmation of Delivery: Within 5 business days after shipment, submit confirmation of the delivery, including dates and any documentation that verifies the package reception.
Use of Registered Mail: Shipments by mail must use registered or certified mail with return receipt requested, while other courier methods must obtain the recipient's signature upon delivery.

Database of Registrations

The Attorney General is required to maintain a database containing all registration information submitted under this act. Access to this database will be granted to law enforcement agencies, federal and state prosecutors, and individuals with appropriate authorization. However, this database will be exempt from public disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act.

Enforcement and Penalties

The bill outlines penalties for violations of its provisions:

Violations could result in fines or imprisonment for up to one year.
If the violation involves a shipment of 50 or more covered firearm components, harsher penalties of fines and up to 10 years of imprisonment may apply.

Seizure of Unregistered Components

Covered firearm components that are shipped or transported without the required registration can be seized by designated government entities. In urgent situations, state or local law enforcement may also perform seizures if there is a risk of injury.

Definitions

The bill specifies that a covered firearm component includes the barrel, slide, or bolt carrier of a firearm. It also clarifies what constitutes an eligible identification number for entities, such as a tax identification number or an ID number approved by the Attorney General.