Fireworks Trafficking and Money Laundering Prevention Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 9013
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Crime and Law Enforcement
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-05-22: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-23T18:10:46Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This legislation aims to strengthen federal law enforcement tools against illegal fireworks trafficking by designating it as a predicate offense for money laundering statutes. It addresses the limitations of current penalties, which are seen as insufficient to deter profitable black-market operations linked to other crimes and public safety risks.
Key Provisions
- Short Title: The Act is named the "Fireworks Trafficking and Money Laundering Prevention Act."
- Findings: Congress outlines nine findings, including that illegal fireworks trafficking involves transportation across state lines, generates illicit proceeds, links to broader criminal activities like drug trafficking, causes injuries and deaths, burdens emergency services, and currently faces only a maximum one-year imprisonment penalty.
- Amendment to Law: The bill modifies Section 1956(c)(7)(D) of Title 18, United States Code, by adding "section 836 (relating to interstate transportation of fireworks)" after the reference to section 831, making unlawful interstate transportation of fireworks a "specified unlawful activity" for money laundering purposes under 18 U.S.C. § 1956.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- This introduces a new predicate offense to the money laundering statute, enabling prosecutors to apply federal financial crime laws (including forfeiture and enhanced penalties up to 20 years imprisonment) to proceeds from illegal fireworks trafficking.
- It expands the scope of 18 U.S.C. § 1956 without altering the underlying fireworks transportation statute (18 U.S.C. § 836) itself, which remains limited to a one-year maximum term.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: Federal and state law enforcement, including the Department of Justice, gain expanded investigative authority, such as using wiretaps, asset seizures, and financial tracking in fireworks cases, potentially increasing case prioritization.
- Citizens: May lead to reduced availability of illegal fireworks, lowering risks of injuries, fires, and explosions, though it could indirectly affect access to legal fireworks through heightened scrutiny of distribution networks.
- International Relations: No direct effects noted in the legislation.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Law enforcement agencies and prosecutors at federal and state levels.
- Individuals and organizations involved in illegal fireworks transportation, distribution, and sales.
- Public safety entities, such as emergency medical services and healthcare providers.
- Communities impacted by fireworks-related incidents.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Enhances federal jurisdiction over interstate commerce in explosives by integrating financial crimes statutes, potentially raising constitutional questions around commerce clause authority if challenged, though the bill frames it as addressing existing federal offenses.
- Political: Reflects a policy shift toward treating fireworks trafficking as a more serious financial crime, aligning with broader efforts to combat organized criminal enterprises without creating new standalone penalties.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)
Recent Actions
- 2026-05-22: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- 2026-05-22: Introduced in House
- 2026-05-22: Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E485)
- 2026-05-22: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Fireworks Trafficking and Money Laundering Prevention Act — issued 2026-05-22 — PDF (4 pages)