H.R. 6223: Crime Gun Tracing Modernization Act of 2025

The proposed bill, known as the Crime Gun Tracing Modernization Act of 2025, aims to enhance the tracking and management of firearms within the United States. It amends existing laws regarding firearm data management to create a more robust electronic system for tracing firearms. The key components of the bill include:

Establishment of Electronic Databases

The bill requires the National Tracing Center, part of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), to establish and maintain electronic databases for all records related to:

• Importation
• Production
• Shipment
• Receipt
• Sale
• Other dispositions of firearms

These databases must include records submitted by licensed firearm dealers and must be electronically searchable.

Licensee Participation

Firearm licensees (e.g., dealers and manufacturers) are encouraged to provide the ATF with electronic access to their records. They can also voluntarily surrender non-electronic records related to firearm transactions that are no longer required to be kept after a certain period, specifically:

• 10 years have passed since the transaction, or
• No open disposition entries exist for 10 years in paper records.

Remote Access and Querying

The National Tracing Center will have remote access to these databases and may query or search them for specific investigations involving law enforcement. They can also access state databases if permitted by the state authorities.

Law Enforcement Purposes

The information obtained from these databases may only be used for valid law enforcement investigations, including:

• Investigations by federal, state, local, tribal, or foreign law enforcement agencies.
• Understanding foreign intelligence information.
• Compliance inspections of active licensees who have submitted required records.

Searchable Information

The databases must allow searches by:

• Date of acquisition or disposition
• License number
• Specific firearm descriptors, such as manufacturer, model, and serial number.

However, the databases will not contain personally identifiable information of individuals involved in these transactions.

Compliance Audits

The bill mandates that the Comptroller General conduct audits every two years to ensure compliance with the new requirements by the National Tracing Center and the ATF, with findings reported to the respective judiciary committees of both the House and the Senate.

Implementation Timeline

The ATF is required to establish these databases within three years of the bill's enactment.

Exemption from Existing Restrictions

This bill states that its provisions take effect regardless of any existing financial restrictions placed on the ATF or the Department of Justice.

Relevant Companies

• Ruger (RGR) - Impacted as a major manufacturer of firearms that may need to adapt to new database requirements.
• Smith & Wesson (SGMS) - As a large firearms manufacturer, it may need to ensure compliance with new data submission procedures.
• Vista Outdoor (VSTO) - This company may be affected in terms of how it tracks firearm sales and dispositions.