Bill Overview
Title: SHORT Act
Description: This bill removes certain short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns, and other weapons from the definition of a firearm for purposes of regulation under the National Firearms Act (NFA). The bill also eliminates certain restrictions that apply to the sale or transportation of such rifles and shotguns in interstate commerce. If a state or local registration or licensing requirement is determined by reference to the NFA, the bill treats persons who acquire or possess a short-barreled rifle, short-barreled shotgun, or other weapon in accordance with the Gun Control Act of 1968 as meeting the registration and licensing requirements. The bill preempts certain state or local laws that tax or regulate these rifles and shotguns. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives must destroy records relating to the registration, transfer, or manufacture of applicable weapons described by this bill within one year after the enactment of this bill.
Sponsors: Rep. Clyde, Andrew S. [R-GA-9]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals owning or interested in owning short-barreled rifles and shotguns
Estimated Size: 2000000
- The National Firearms Act (NFA) regulates firearms, including short-barreled rifles and shotguns, affecting gun owners in the United States.
- The Gun Control Act of 1968 sets guidelines for the registration and licensing of firearms, which the bill references in meeting registration and licensing requirements.
- The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) maintains records on firearm registration and transfers, which this bill mandates to be destroyed.
- The legislation will impact individuals interested in acquiring, possessing, or selling short-barreled rifles and shotguns, as well as those facing state or local regulations derived from the NFA.
- This includes gun enthusiasts, collectors, or anyone who possesses or wishes to possess such firearms.
Reasoning
- The policy would primarily impact firearm owners, especially those who own or are interested in short-barreled rifles and shotguns. This demographic includes gun enthusiasts, collectors, and potentially hunters or self-defense advocates.
- Individuals residing in states with strict regulations on such firearms might experience varying degrees of change in wellbeing due to the policy.
- Potentially, the changes may alleviate legal and financial burdens associated with owning short-barreled firearms, contributing to improved wellbeing for those affected.
- Given the small budget, the policy likely aims for a federal-level relaxation rather than implementing widely visible outreach or state-level programs.
- Individuals not interested or affected by firearm laws may not experience any change in their wellbeing, ensuring a diverse representation of the population.
Simulated Interviews
Gun shop owner (Texas)
Age: 35 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think it's a great move to support the Second Amendment rights.
- Less red tape will likely increase my business sales.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Law enforcement officer (Illinois)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm concerned about how this might complicate law enforcement efforts.
- I hope it doesn't lead to increased gun violence.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 6 |
Collector (California)
Age: 42 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think it will make managing my collection easier and less worrisome.
- It's good to see a reduction in unnecessary regulation.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
School teacher (New York)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I don't see how this policy affects me directly.
- I hope safety won't be compromised.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Retired military (Florida)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Finally, the government is respecting our gun rights even further.
- I feel more secure knowing I won't face unnecessary legal issues.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Student (Vermont)
Age: 25 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I feel apprehensive about reduced regulations.
- Hope it doesn't lead to safety issues.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Hobbyist gunsmith (Pennsylvania)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This gives me more freedom to enjoy my hobby without fear.
- It should foster a more open environment for firearm enthusiasts.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Gun rights activist (Colorado)
Age: 39 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This is a positive step for gun rights.
- The policy aligns with the values we promote in our community.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Social worker (Washington State)
Age: 30 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm worried about the potential for increased gun access to lead to unsafe situations.
- I support responsible ownership but worry about loosening restrictions.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 5 |
College student (Georgia)
Age: 18 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I don't feel the policy really affects me right now.
- I might consider getting a short-barreled rifle now that it's easier.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $25000000 (Low: $20000000, High: $30000000)
Year 2: $5000000 (Low: $3000000, High: $7000000)
Year 3: $5000000 (Low: $3000000, High: $7000000)
Year 5: $5000000 (Low: $3000000, High: $7000000)
Year 10: $5000000 (Low: $3000000, High: $7000000)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The exact number of affected firearms is uncertain, leading to challenges in precise cost and savings estimations.
- State laws that reference the NFA might experience various legal reinterpretations or challenges.
- Potential consequences on public safety perceptions influenced by changes in registration and monitoring of firearms.