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H.R.1540 / 108th Congress

Crackdown on Deadbeat Dealers Act of 2003

Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E633)

Official summary

Version 00 · Introduced in House · Apr 1, 2003

Crackdown on Deadbeat Dealers Act of 2003 - Amends the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act to increase the number of allowed inspections for compliance with record-keeping requirements by firearms dealers to not more than three times (currently, once) during any 12-month period.Increases penalties for: (1) knowingly making false statements or furnishing false or misrepresented identification regarding any fact material to the lawfulness of the sale or other disposition of such firearm or ammunition; or (2) making false entries in, or failing to properly maintain, required firearms records.Authorizes the Attorney General to suspend a firearms dealer's license and to assess a civil penalty of up to $10,000 for firearms violations, including failure to have secure gun storage or safety devices (current penalties are limited to license revocation).Permits any licensed firearms dealer who is indicted for a felony to continue to operate until the date of conviction (currently, until the conviction becomes final).Authorizes appropriations for the hiring and training of 500 additional inspectors for the Department of Justice's Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.

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Who introduced it

Rep. Langevin, James R. [D-RI-2] · D–RI

Committees

  • Judiciary Committee
27 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

Actions

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  1. Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E633)

  2. Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H7245)

  3. Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security.

  4. Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

  5. Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E637)

  6. Introduced in House

  7. Introduced in House

Bill text & related measures

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Related bills identified by Congress.gov

No related bills are listed in this snapshot. This does not establish whether the proposal has appeared in earlier Congresses.

Source last updated: Aug 18, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.

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Objective

Analyze H.R.1540 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.

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Fairness and public impact

Progressive lens

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Institutions and government scope

Conservative lens

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Individual rights and government power

Liberty lens

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