Sw Louisiana News

Congressman Clay Higgins has introduced the Law Enforcement Protection and Privacy Act, aimed at further restricting the unlawful disclosure of firearm trace data by strengthening the Tiahrt Amendment. The Tiahrt Amendment, first enacted in 2003, protects law enforcement-sensitive trace data within the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearm and Explosives (ATF) National Tracing Center's Firearm Tracing System. This system records firearms recovered and traced during criminal investigations.

The amendment allows law enforcement to access and share this sensitive information with other agencies. However, Congressman Higgins points out that politically motivated leaks have endangered law enforcement and harmed lawful federal firearms licensees (FFLs), leading to a need for additional penalties.

"The unlawful disclosure of sensitive firearm trace data greatly jeopardizes criminal investigations and puts law-abiding citizens at risk," stated Congressman Higgins. "This legislation is crucial in protecting the integrity of ongoing criminal investigations and the many lives of those involved, as well as 2nd Amendment rights of every American."

Higgins' legislation has garnered support from several Second Amendment advocacy groups such as the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), National Rifle Association (NRA), National Association for Gun Rights, and Gun Owners of America (GOA).

Lawrence G. Keane from NSSF remarked on the necessity of this legislation: "It will prevent the unauthorized release of trace data by ATF to gun control groups and others who have misused the data to launch 'name and shame' attacks." He expressed gratitude towards Congressman Higgins for his leadership in protecting ongoing criminal investigations.

John Commerford from NRA highlighted past violations: "Last year, the Biden Administration colluded with its anti-gun allies to publicly name and shame lawful firearms dealers in a clear violation of the Tiahrt amendment." He thanked Rep. Higgins for introducing this act to protect American businesses from reputational damage.

Hunter King from the National Association for Gun Rights emphasized their support: "For too long, anti-gun bureaucrats and politicians have illegally weaponized firearm trace data... Congress must pass this bill now to stop these attacks on gun owners."

Aidan Johnston from Gun Owners of America also voiced appreciation for Rep. Higgins' efforts: "Gun Owners of America is thankful for Rep. Higgins’ bill which protects the privacy of firearm purchasers and sellers while also creating a private right of action as a remedy for anyone wronged by this gross abuse of power."