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H.R.4044 / 104th Congress

Safe and Responsible Handgun Act of 1996

Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime.

Official summary

Version 00 · Introduced in House · Sep 10, 1996

Safe and Responsible Handgun Act of 1996 - Directs: (1) the Secretary of the Treasury to establish guidelines for the establishment by each State of a Handgun Roster Board; and (2) each Board to publish a roster of types of handguns which may be lawfully manufactured, sold, owned, possessed, or used (manufactured) in the State and any terms, conditions, or circumstances under which such handgun types may be manufactured and to transmit a copy of the roster to each licensed dealer in the State who is not prohibited by State law from dealing in handguns. Sets forth factors to be considered in deciding whether to include a handgun type on the roster, including concealability, safety features, and detectability by standard security equipment used at airports or courthouses. Requires States to have in effect such laws as necessary to prohibit the manufacture, sale, ownership, possession, and use of: (1) any handgun which is of a type not specified on the roster; and (2) any handgun which is of a type specified on the roster, except under such terms and conditions as the Board may specify. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) penalties for the unlawful manufacture, sale, or offer for sale of a handgun; (2) State compliance; and (3) ineligibility of States not in compliance for formula grants under the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968. Directs the Secretary to establish an Independent Study Group to devise an effective national firearms injury reporting system.

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Who introduced it

Rep. Schumer, Charles E. [D-NY-9] · D–NY

Committees

  • Judiciary Committee
4 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

Actions

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  1. Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime.

  2. Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

  3. Introduced in House

  4. Introduced in House

Bill text & related measures

Text links open the official source. We currently store references to these documents.

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 21, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.

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Objective

Analyze H.R.4044 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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