A bill was introduced on January 4, 2021 titled H. R. 127 also referred to as “Sabika Sheikh Firearm Licensing and Registration Act”. This is an ill-thought out bill that represents real danger to the liberties and safety of Americans in several ways.
Most notably is the requirement of a public database. This will create a searchable database of potential targets for theft or robbery of American citizens by criminals seeking to acquire firearms. Literally creating a 'robbery list' that can be used to find and steal specific weapons.
Secondly the bill allows Attorneys General to deny a license if an individual has ever been hospitalized for several mental illnesses including depression. This creates a stigma that these diseases can never be treated and permanently denies an individual the right to bear arms. This could create a disincentive for anyone suffering depression or other mental illness from seeking the help they require for fear of losing their 2nd amendment protected rights.
Thirdly the bill requires a licensing fee of $800. This is effectively a barrier to poor or disenfranchised Americans from exercising their right to bear arms and provide for self-defense. This is especially pronounced in poor rural areas where police intervention is often slow or ineffective for deterring a crime in progress.
Additionally the definition of 'Military-Style Weapon' omits many weapon brands and models that would likely qualify alongside the listed models. This style of list ban will always be problematic as innovation and new developments would be able to circumvent the ban list making the law ineffective as written. This in addition to such a list being an infringement upon the rights guaranteed under the 2nd amendment. Also, because the terms used are arbitrary and needlessly restrictive certain firearms will simply arbitrarily be designated 'Military-Style' despite not being designed or used by the military.
Lastly, this is exactly the type of legislation that the right-wing, Republicans, and other pro-2nd amendment groups fear and hate. Even considering it for passage alienates voters who might otherwise consider voting for more left or liberal leaning candidates or supporting left or liberal leaning legislation. Non-compliance with such a bill would almost certainly be high creating a criminal class overnight that would have greatly increased fear and mistrust of government. Precisely at a time when we should be pushing Democratic ideals and bills that support Americans. Bills such as this erode faith in the Democratic Party and its ideals.
While many Democrats support better enforcement of existing gun laws and well-thought out, limited gun control, this bill is not an example of either. It is far-reaching in scope, ill prepared, and damaging not just in it's proposals but even by being pushed or considered it divides Americans who otherwise would agree with a more Democratic agenda overall.
A version of this letter was sent to my US Senate and Congress representatives. Please contact your own representatives with your opinions regarding H.R. 127. Feel free to copy or modify the above letter to use for yourself.
If you reside in the US you can contact your representatives at https://www.congress.gov/