Legislation has been introduced that would outlaw online ammunition sales to consumers and force retailers to report any "large" in-store purchases to law enforcement.

Literally named the "Stop Online Ammunition Sales Act of 2023," the measure was filed last month in Congress by U.S. Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman, a New Jersey Democrat. Coleman was endorsed for office last fall by national anti-gun groups including billionaire Michael Bloomberg's Everytown organization.

"The Stop Online Ammunition Sales Act is one step in the right direction to slowing the proliferation of guns and ammunition," said Watson Coleman in a statement.

The proposal would establish the licensing of ammunition dealers who then would be required to confirm the identity of customers seeking to purchase ammo by verifying a valid photo I.D. in person. As such, it would place a prohibition on the current widespread practice of buying ammo online and having it shipped directly to the customer's door. 

The measure would also require these vendors to report all purchases of more than 1,000 rounds within a five-day period by the same person to the U.S. Attorney General as well as local and state law enforcement. 

The bill has been introduced as H.R.584 and has been referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. As of Feb. 22, it had 23 co-sponsors, all Democrats.

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