GRAIN DRY Act

Senate Bill

S. 1826

119th Congress

GRAIN DRY Act

In Committee

Introduced:Sep 2, 2025

Primary Sponsor

Joni Ernst

Senator

Republican

IA

Cosponsors

15

Quick Stats

Policy Area

Crime and Law Enforcement

Summary

This bill aims to increase oversight and regulations for federal firearms licensees (FFLs) - businesses that sell, import, or manufacture firearms. It would allow more frequent inspections of FFLs, increase penalties for record-keeping violations, and give the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) more authority to deny or revoke licenses if public safety is at risk.

Latest Action

Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

This bill aims to increase oversight and regulations for federal firearms licensees (FFLs) - businesses that sell, import, or manufacture firearms. It would allow more frequent inspections of FFLs, increase penalties for record-keeping violations, and give the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) more authority to deny or revoke licenses if public safety is at risk.

Last updated: 12/30/2025

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 annual compliance inspections of FFLs
Increases the maximum prison term for FFLs who make false statements on required firearms records
Lets the ATF require FFLs to conduct physical inventories if they unlawfully transfer guns or have high numbers of guns traced to their business
Authorizes the ATF to hire 80 more personnel to carry out additional inspections
Gives the ATF more power to deny or revoke FFL licenses if the applicant is unlikely to comply with the law or poses a public safety risk

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

This bill would have the greatest impact on federal firearms licensees, requiring them to undergo more inspections and face harsher penalties for non-compliance. It could also make it more difficult for some businesses to obtain or maintain an FFL, potentially impacting gun sales and availability in certain areas. The general public may see some changes in how guns are tracked and monitored, but the direct effects would be concentrated on the firearms industry.

Policy Areas

Primary Policy Area

Crime and Law Enforcement

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

1826, 119th Congress (2025). "GRAIN DRY Act". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-s-1826