Domestic Violence SAFE Notice Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Dingell, Debbie [D-MI-6]
- Committees
- Judiciary Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Oct 1, 2026
Bottom line
This bill aims to enhance the safety of domestic violence and other violent crime victims by providing them with timely notifications about offenders' firearms acquisition attempts or possession, both through a new federal system and state/tribal pilot programs.
What it actually does
This bill establishes a federal "firearms access victim notification system" within the FBI to alert victims of specific violent crimes (including domestic violence, stalking, and sexual exploitation) when their offender attempts to purchase a firearm or is found to unlawfully possess one. It also creates a pilot grant program for states and tribes to develop or upgrade their own victim notification systems for similar purposes, covering a broader range of domestic violence offenses and court orders.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue this bill is a critical step in protecting victims of domestic violence and other violent crimes by providing them with crucial, life-saving information about an offender's access to firearms. They contend that such notifications empower victims to take preventative measures and enhance their safety planning, closing a dangerous loophole where offenders prohibited from owning firearms might still attempt to acquire them without the victim's knowledge.
Opponents contend
Opponents might argue that this bill creates an overly broad and potentially unreliable notification system that could lead to false alarms or privacy concerns for individuals whose rights have been restored. They might also raise concerns about the administrative burden and cost of establishing and maintaining such systems, as well as potential due process issues if notifications are based on unconfirmed attempts or if an individual's firearms rights are later restored.
The bill is moderately complex but its length makes it accessible for a thorough read within a reasonable timeframe, allowing for a good understanding of its provisions.
Section 2, amending 18 U.S.C. Chapter 44 by inserting Sec. 925E.
Establishment of Federal Firearms Access Victim Notification System (FAVNS)
This provision directs the FBI to create a system that notifies victims of certain violent crimes (stalking, sexual exploitation, domestic violence, interstate domestic violence) when their offender attempts to buy a firearm, unlawfully possesses one after a failed background check, or is arrested for an attempted acquisition. It also notifies victims if an offender's firearms rights are restored. Victims must register and can deregister at will.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this system provides a vital early warning for victims, allowing them to take protective measures if an abuser attempts to acquire a firearm, thereby potentially saving lives and reducing gun violence in domestic contexts.
Critics contend
Critics might argue that the system could generate unnecessary fear or false alarms, particularly if an attempted purchase is by someone with a similar name or if the offender's rights are later restored. They may also raise concerns about the privacy of the offender and the potential for misuse of information.
Tradeoffs
Balances victim safety against potential privacy concerns for offenders and the administrative burden on federal agencies.
Section 2, amending 18 U.S.C. 925E(a)(2).
Notification for Minors, Incompetent, or Incapacitated Victims
This provision allows legal guardians or other authorized representatives to register for and receive notifications on behalf of victims who are under 18, incompetent, or incapacitated. It explicitly prohibits the offender from serving as such a guardian or representative.
Section 2, amending 18 U.S.C. 925E(d)(2).
24-Hour Information Retention Limit
The federal firearms access victim notification system is required to retain information received from the National Instant Background Check System (NICS) for no longer than 24 hours after a notification is issued to a crime victim.
Section 3, amending 18 U.S.C. Chapter 44 by inserting Sec. 925F.
State and Tribal Victim Notification System Pilot Grant Program
This section establishes a grant program, administered by the Office on Victims of Crime, to help states and tribes upgrade or establish their own victim notification systems. These systems would notify victims of domestic violence offenses or those protected by domestic violence court orders when an offender or respondent attempts to acquire a firearm, or if a firearm is transferred to them after a delayed background check.
Section 3, amending 18 U.S.C. 925F(a).
Definitions for State/Tribal Pilot Program
This section defines key terms for the pilot program, including "offender" (convicted of or indicted for a prohibiting domestic violence offense), "respondent" (subject to a prohibiting domestic violence court order), "prohibiting domestic violence offense," and "prohibiting domestic violence court order." It also clarifies that victims include those protected by such orders and their legal guardians, excluding the offender.
The federal notification system will not notify victims about firearms activity by an offender who has received a pardon or restoration of rights for the specific offense for which the victim registered. However, it will still notify if the pardon/restoration is for a different offense.
Section 2, amending 18 U.S.C. 925E(a)(1)(B).
Why it matters:Standard legislative practice to include detailed exceptions and caveats within the main body of a new system's description.
Case for: Supporters would argue this ensures that individuals whose rights have been fully and specifically restored for a particular offense are not perpetually monitored for that offense, while still protecting victims from offenders who may have other prohibiting factors.
Case against: Critics might argue that this nuance could be confusing for victims or lead to a false sense of security if they are unaware of the specific offense for which an offender's rights were restored.
Estimated impact: Affects a small subset of offenders who receive pardons or rights restoration and their corresponding victims.
Any notification issued by the federal firearms access victim notification system must include contact information for the hotline described in section 313 of the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (42 U.S.C. 10413), which is the National Domestic Violence Hotline.
Section 2, amending 18 U.S.C. 925E(d)(1).
Why it matters:Standard practice to include resource information within operational details of a notification system.
Case for: Proponents would highlight that this ensures victims receiving alerts are immediately connected to support services, which is crucial for safety planning and emotional support during potentially stressful situations.
Case against: No specific opposition is typically raised against providing resource information to victims.
Estimated impact: Enhances the utility of notifications for all recipients by providing immediate access to support.
The FBI (through NICS) and ATF are required to provide reports on background check denials, firearm transfers after delayed checks, and firearm retrievals to state/tribal pilot program grantees within 24 hours of the event.
Section 3, amending 18 U.S.C. 925F(g).
Why it matters:Technical detail about inter-agency data sharing, often placed separately for clarity on agency responsibilities.
Case for: Supporters would argue this ensures the timely flow of critical information from federal systems to state and tribal victim notification systems, making the pilot programs effective and responsive.
Case against: Critics might raise concerns about the technical challenges and resource implications for NICS and ATF to ensure consistent 24-hour reporting to potentially numerous state and tribal systems.
Estimated impact: Crucial for the operational effectiveness of the state/tribal pilot programs.