GOSAFE Act
Key claim: The GOSAFE Act would prohibit the import, sale, manufacture, transfer, and possession of gas-operated semiautomatic firearms and large-capacity ammunition feeding devices under federal law, with criminal penalties and a Byrne JAG-funded buyback option.
Abstract
(HR2790 · 119th Congress) Gas-Operated Semi-Automatic Firearms Exclusion Act or the GOSAFE Act This bill establishes a framework to regulate gas-operated semiautomatic firearms and large capacity ammunition feeding devices under federal firearms laws. First, the bill generally prohibits the import, sale, manufacture, transfer, receipt, or possession of a firearm that is or is modified to operate as a prohibited gas-operated semiautomatic firearm; a combination of parts that modify or can be assembled into a prohibited gas-operated semiautomatic firearm, or that produce an unlawful gas-operated semiautomatic cycling action; a device or combination of parts designed to materially increase the rate of fire of a semiautomatic firearm; or a firearm that is modified to materially increase the rate of fire. Second, the bill generally prohibits (1) the import, sale, manufacture, transfer, or receipt of a large capacity ammunition feeding device; or (2) the possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device manufactured after the date of enactment. A violation is subject to criminal penalties—a fine, a prison term of up to 12 months, or both, for each violation. In addition, an individual who possesses a prohibited gas-operated semiautomatic firearm during a federal felony offense is subject to additional penalties—a fine, a mandatory minimum prison term of two years, or both. Finally, the bill allows a state or local government to use Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program funds to compensate individuals who surrender gas-operated semiautomatic firearms and large capacity ammunition feeding devices under a buy-back program. Latest action (2025-04-09): Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Why this matters
The GOSAFE Act would create a new federal prohibition category — gas-operated semiautomatic firearms — with criminal penalties for possession, materially affecting current owners, manufacturers, and FFLs depending on grandfathering and buyback terms. It sits at the intersection of Second Amendment rights and federal firearms regulation, and its novel statutory definition raises interpretive questions about scope that distinguish it from prior feature-based assault weapons bans. The proposal is contested: proponents emphasize public-safety impact on mass shootings, while opponents argue the definition sweeps in a large share of commonly-owned firearms.