PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in Senate · May 1, 2003
Homeland Security Gun Safety Act of 2003 - Amends the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act to make certain requirements with respect to the destruction of records of firearms transfers inapplicable during periods in which the Homeland Security Advisory System threat condition is elevated, high, or severe.Prohibits a licensed dealer from selling or delivering a firearm to a qualified purchaser if the dealer has reasonable cause to believe that: (1) the purchaser intends to transfer the firearm to an ineligible individual; or (2) the gun will be used in a crime.Requires a chief law enforcement officer who determines that a person is ineligible to receive a handgun to notify the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (BATFE) of the person's attempt to purchase a firearm.Prohibits the sale to, or purchase by, an unlicensed individual of two or more handguns during any 30-day period.Directs the Attorney General to prescribe security standards for the storage and display of firearms by licensed firearms dealers to prevent theft or other loss.Authorizes inspections of the inventory and records of a licensed importer, manufacturer, or dealer at any time without reasonable cause or warrant.Requires a licensed importer, dealer, or collector, before purchasing a firearm from an unlicensed person, to check the firearm against the Stolen Gun File of the National Crime Information Center.Increases penalties for specified violations. Provides for: (1) mandatory license suspension when the licensee is charged with a crime; and (2) license suspension for at least 48 hours for failure to report a missing firearm.Reduces from 50 pounds to five pounds of commercially manufactured black powder the threshold amount covered by certain explosives provisions.Authorizes appropriations to hire new BATFE inspectors and agents.
People & committees
Sen. Lautenberg, Frank R. [D-NJ] · D–NJ
Legislative record
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Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S5655-5657)
Introduced in Senate
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Aug 10, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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