AMMO Act
The Ammunition Modernization and Monitoring Oversight Act (AMMO Act) would substantially tighten federal oversight of ammunition sales and transfers. It expands who must be licensed to deal in ammunition, imposes mandatory recordkeeping for ammunition by licensees, and extends safeguards against illegal or bulk purchases. Notably, it requires background checks through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) before transfers of ammunition from licensed dealers to unlicensed buyers, mandates identity verification and a written transfer certification, and imposes penalties for violations. The bill also adds enhanced enforcement tools (including signage requirements and civil penalties), creates new prohibitions on bulk ammunition sales (with explicit transfer limits), and requires ATF reporting on violations. It includes funding authorization to upgrade NICS and sets an effective date 120 days after enactment. The overall aim is to reduce straw purchasing and bulk acquisitions of ammunition, while increasing traceability and accountability in ammunition transactions.
Key Points
- 1Expanded licensing to include ammunition dealing. The bill amends federal law to require licensed dealers (not just manufacturers) to be involved in ammunition transactions, and it broadens the definition of a “dealer” to include ammunition. It also revises related license definitions and fees to reflect the new scope.
- 2Bulk ammunition sales restrictions with penalties. The bill adds a new subsection to restrict bulk transfers to unlicensed buyers: no more than 100 rounds of .50 caliber or 1,000 rounds of any other caliber in a 5-day period. It also imposes certification requirements, requires recordkeeping of the transfer forms for at least 2 years, and establishes penalties (fines, temporary license suspensions, or revocation for repeat violations). It also requires licensees to post notices about these restrictions and related penalties, with civil penalties for failure to post.
- 3Prohibition on straw purchasing extended to ammunition. The law would treat ammunition purchases similarly to firearms in terms straw purchasing prohibitions, reinforcing that transfers to unlicensed purchasers cannot be made if there is knowledge or reasonable belief the recipient would violate the law.
- 4Background checks before ammunition transfers by licensed sellers to non-licensees. Licenses (importers, manufacturers, and dealers) would be required to initiate a NICS check before transferring ammunition to an unlicensed recipient. The process would include obtaining a unique NICS determination number indicating compliance with laws, verifying the recipient’s identity with a valid photo ID, and the recipient signing a form with a written certification about the purchase limits. There are carve-outs for certain state-issued permits, with conditions tied to state verification rules. The bill also clarifies that the process relies on NICS and would include funding for upgrading the system.
- 5Recordkeeping, reporting, and enforcement mechanics. The bill mandates ammunition-related recordkeeping by licensees, a reporting regime to the Attorney General, and a public ATF annual report on violations and trends related to ammunition sales and transfers. It also creates a civil penalty framework for failures to post required notices and for violations of the new transfer restrictions.