VA Mental Health Outreach and Engagement Act

House Bill

H.R. 3863

119th Congress

VA Mental Health Outreach and Engagement Act

Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.

Introduced:Oct 14, 2025

Primary Sponsor

Donald S. Beyer Jr.

Representative

Democratic

VA-8

Cosponsors

9

Quick Stats

Policy Area

Crime and Law Enforcement

Summary

This bill aims to increase oversight and enforcement of federal firearms dealers. It would allow more inspections of gun dealers, increase penalties for those who break the rules, and give the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) more power to deny licenses or require extra measures from dealers who don't follow the law.

Latest Action

Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

This bill aims to increase oversight and enforcement of federal firearms dealers. It would allow more inspections of gun dealers, increase penalties for those who break the rules, and give the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) more power to deny licenses or require extra measures from dealers who don't follow the law.

Last updated: 12/29/2025

Official Summary

Congressional Research Service summary

Keeping Gun Dealers Honest Act of 2023This bill modifies the requirements and penalties applicable to an individual who engages in the business of dealing, importing, or manufacturing firearms (i.e., a federal firearms licensee, or FFL).Among other things, the bill does the following:<ul><li>increases the allowable number of annual compliance inspections;</li><li>authorizes the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to hire at least 80 additional personnel to conduct additional inspections;</li><li>increases the maximum prison term for an FFL or licensed collector who knowingly makes a false statement or representation in required firearms records;</li><li>allows the ATF to require an FFL to conduct physical inventories if the FFL unlawfully transfers a firearm or if 10 or more crime guns are traced back to the FFL;</li><li>allows the ATF to deny an application for a federal firearms license if it would endanger public safety or if the applicant is unlikely to comply with the law; and</li><li>modifies the liability standard for an FFL who fails to comply with laws or regulations.</li></ul>

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

Allows the ATF to conduct more compliance inspections of federal firearms licensees (FFLs) each year
Increases the maximum prison term for FFLs who knowingly provide false information in required records
Gives the ATF authority to require FFLs to conduct physical inventories if they unlawfully transfer guns or have a high number traced to their business
Allows the ATF to deny a license application if it would endanger public safety or if the applicant is unlikely to comply with the law
Modifies the liability standard for FFLs who fail to follow laws or regulations

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

This bill would increase oversight and accountability for federal firearms dealers. If enacted, it could make it harder for bad actors to obtain or maintain a license, leading to fewer unlawful gun sales and transfers. The changes could impact current and future FFLs, as well as communities affected by gun violence linked to irresponsible dealers.

Policy Areas

Primary Policy Area

Crime and Law Enforcement

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

3863, 119th Congress (2025). "VA Mental Health Outreach and Engagement Act". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-hr-3863