S. 2188: ATF Data and Anti-Trafficking Accountability Act

The bill, titled the "ATF Data and Anti-Trafficking Accountability Act," aims to enhance the collection and dissemination of data related to firearm tracing in the United States. It requires the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to produce and make publicly available various reports concerning firearms that have been traced, particularly focusing on those used in crimes. Here are the primary components of the bill summarized:

Data Collection Requirements

The ATF is required to collect and publish aggregated firearm trace data. This data will include:

• The number of traced firearms for each type (handguns, rifles, shotguns).
• Details about firearms traced from the top 200 licensees with the highest trace counts, including the number of firearms traced and their average time-to-crime.
• Information regarding firearms recovered in cities with high homicide rates.
• A breakdown of firearms trace requests from law enforcement agencies.

Annual Reports

The Attorney General must submit a detailed report to Congress and make it available to the public at least once a year, starting 180 days after the bill is enacted. The report will include:

• Aggregated data sorted by the type of licensee that sold the traced firearms.
• The states where the firearms were originally purchased and their associated crime rates.
• Details about the firearms involved, including manufacturer data, time-to-crime statistics, and transfer information related to multiple sales.

Specific Focus Areas

The bill places emphasis on:

• Firearms that are lost or stolen from licensed dealers, requiring a report on the number and type of such incidents.
• The recovery of privately made firearms, tracking those without serial numbers.
• Firearms trafficking patterns within the United States, detailing incidents where firearms were diverted from legal to illegal markets.
• Investigations related to firearms trafficking, especially involving youth and juveniles.

Impact on Source Licensees

Data will be compiled on the licensees that sold traced firearms, allowing the public and authorities to see which businesses are frequently associated with crime-related firearm traces. This includes an analysis of multiple sales and lost or stolen firearms over a specified period.

Firearms Traffic Analysis

The bill mandates an analysis of firearms trafficking, providing insights into how firearms flow from legal to illegal markets. This analysis will cover:

• Investigative procedures and findings related to trafficking.
• The involvement of various demographics, particularly young people, in firearms trafficking.

Goals of the Bill

The overarching aim of the legislation is to create a more accountable and transparent system regarding the tracing of firearms, to understand and combat firearm-related crimes better. By making this data publicly accessible, the bill seeks to inform policymakers, law enforcement, and the general public about the dynamics of firearm trafficking and related crimes.

Relevant Companies

• None found