Federal gun tracing records would be searchable by firearm details

The National Tracing Center would establish and maintain searchable electronic databases of required firearm records it holds. The databases would cover all records the center holds that licensed gun businesses must submit, including records of gun production, shipments, and sales. Searches would use transaction dates, license numbers, and firearm details. Staff could not search by a person's identifying information, but results would show the entire matching records. These rules would apply despite other laws, including restrictions on using agency money. The center would have to establish the databases within three years after enactment.

Licensed gun businesses could voluntarily provide electronic access to records or hand over eligible paper records. Electronic access would cover records licensed gun businesses must keep. The National Tracing Center could also access state and local databases remotely. Paper records could be handed over once 10 years have passed since the firearm transaction. Paper books tracking guns received and transferred could qualify after 10 years without open transfer entries and with no transfers recorded. Remote access to state or local gun registration and pawnbroker databases would require that government's permission.

The National Tracing Center would have to limit database use, and the Comptroller General would audit compliance. Investigations could involve federal, state, local, tribal, or foreign law enforcement agencies. Audits would check the tracing center and its parent agency. Inspection searches would be limited to information needed to inspect an active licensed business that submitted paper records under these rules. Foreign intelligence searches could also seek information needed to understand or assess that intelligence. The Comptroller General would audit compliance and report to Congress within one year after enactment and every two years afterward.