TRACE Act
The TRACE Act (Trafficking Reduction And Criminal Enforcement Act) seeks to strengthen firearm traceability and enforcement by (1) requiring a second serial number on U.S.-made firearms (either inside the receiver or visible only under infrared light), (2) expanding the definition of “receiver” and what counts as manufacturing to include unfinished frames/receivers and even assembly from unfinished parts or 3D-printed frames, (3) mandating a 180-day retention window for instant background check records and directing regulatory steps to implement that change, (4) obligating licensed firearms dealers to perform periodic physical inventory checks of their stock with agency regulations, and (5) removing certain longstanding funding limitations that restrict using appropriated funds to carry out background check requirements. The act would require the Attorney General to issue final regulations within specified timeframes and would broaden tools available to track, regulate, and enforce firearms transactions, including those involving unfinished or 3D-printed components.
Key Points
- 1Second (hidden or infrared-visible) serial number: Within 12 months after enactment, the AG must require that U.S.-made firearms carry a second serial number located inside the receiver or readable only with infrared light, in addition to the standard serial number.
- 2Expanded definitions and manufacturing scope: The bill broadens “receiver” to include unfinished frames/receivers; expands the definition of “manufacturing firearms” to include assembling from unfinished frames/receivers or from molded, machined, or 3D-printed frames/receivers; explicitly excludes simply fitting certain parts (barrels, stocks, triggers) from the manufacturing definition.
- 3Unfinished frames/receivers: The bill defines “unfinished frame or receiver” as any part that can be readily completed or converted into a functional firearm frame/receiver, or a part marketed for that purpose.
- 4Background check records retention: The bill requires keeping instant background check records for 180 days after the NICS system complies with certain regulatory steps; the AG must issue implementing regulations within 180 days.
- 5Dealer inventory checks: Licensed firearms dealers must conduct a physical check of their firearms inventory, with regulations to be issued by the AG within 180 days.
- 6Funding and enforcement provisions: The bill eliminates several prohibitions on using funds to implement background check requirements (subsection 922(t)) that exist in multiple prior appropriations acts, thereby enabling greater funding and enforcement of background checks.