In response to the escalating gun violence in the United States, Senas. Angus King (I-Maine) and Martin Heinrich (D-NM) are introducing the Gas-Operated Semi-Automatic Firearms Exclusion (GOSAFE) Act.

The legislation aims to regulate the use of semi-automatic firearms without infringing on the rights of law-abiding citizens who use guns for self-defense, hunting, or sport. The bill is also backed by Sens. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) and Michael Bennet (D-Colo.).

The GOSAFE Act focuses on the functionality of firearms, particularly those that have been used in mass shootings, rather than their appearance.

The bill seeks to regulate the sale, transfer, and manufacture of gas-operated semi-automatic weapons, while also protecting the Second Amendment rights of Americans. It includes provisions for limiting high-capacity ammunition devices and outlawing conversion devices, as well as establishing a voluntary buy-back program for non-transferrable firearms and magazines.

The legislation has received support from gun safety organizations, including Brady- United Against Gun Violence and Everytown for Gun Safety. Sen. King has previously led bipartisan efforts to address gun violence, including the Safer Communities Act passed in 2022, which provided funding for red flag laws, enhanced background checks, and increased mental health resources.

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