S. 3289: Crime Gun Tracing Modernization Act of 2025

This bill, known as the Crime Gun Tracing Modernization Act of 2025, aims to enhance the tracking of firearms in the United States by mandating the establishment of an electronic, searchable database. Here are the key components of the bill:

Establishment of Electronic Databases

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), specifically its National Tracing Center, is required to:

• Create and maintain electronic databases that include records of the importation, production, shipment, receipt, sale, or other disposition of firearms. This must be completed within three years after the bill is enacted.
• Each licensed dealer will provide electronic access to their records as required under current law.
• Licensees may voluntarily transfer non-electronic records to the ATF after specific timeframes.

Remote Access for ATF

The National Tracing Center will have remote access to the established databases to:

• Conduct searches for information relevant to law enforcement investigations.
• Access state or local databases if permitted, including firearms registration systems and pawnbroker records.

Searchability of Databases

Key features of these databases will include:

• Electronic searches by date of acquisition or disposition, license number, and firearm descriptors (such as manufacturer, model, serial number, type, and caliber).
• Restriction from being searchable by any personally identifiable information of individuals.

Compliance and Auditing

The Comptroller General will conduct audits to ensure compliance with these requirements. These audits are to be performed:

• One year after enactment, and every two years thereafter.
• The results of these audits will be reported to the Senate and House Judiciary Committees.

Overall Purpose

The overall aim of this legislation is to modernize the tracking of firearms, making it easier for law enforcement to conduct investigations and ensuring the tracing system is up to date with current technologies.

Relevant Companies

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