Criminal Justice (Firearms)

in committee · United States · Senate Apr 3, 2025

S 1283: Innovate to De-Escalate Modernization Act

This bill amends federal law to clarify that certain less-than-lethal projectile devices are exempt from firearm restrictions under Title 18. It defines these devices as those not firing standard ammunition, operating below 500 ft/s velocity, unlikely to cause serious injury, and incompatible with common firearm magazines. The law directly affects manufacturers and users of such devices by establishing a clear legal standard for their classification. It also requires the Attorney General to review device requests within 90 days to confirm compliance with the new definition.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeClarifies legal status of less-lethal devices to promote de-escalation in law enforcement, aligning with accountability reforms.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Firearms

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in committee · United States · House Jul 23, 2025

HR 4712: Parity for Tribal Law Enforcement Act

The Parity for Tribal Law Enforcement Act enables tribal law enforcement officers who have contracted federal law enforcement duties under the Indian Self-Determination Act to enforce federal law on tribal lands. To qualify, officers must complete training comparable to Bureau of Justice Services employees, pass a background check, and receive certification from the Bureau. The bill also designates these officers as federal law enforcement officers for legal protections under the Federal Tort Claims Act and retirement benefits. Additionally, it requires the Attorney General to coordinate Department of Justice efforts to improve public safety in tribal communities through better data collection, training, and reporting.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeEnables tribal officers to enforce federal law with training/certification, enhancing accountability and authority within tribal criminal justice systems.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Firearms Law Enforcement Tags Tribal Nations

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in committee · United States · Senate Feb 12, 2026

S 3882: Fair Legal Access Grants Act

This bill creates a federal grant program to provide legal resources for individuals seeking extreme risk protection orders (ERPOs), which temporarily remove firearms from people deemed a risk to themselves or others. It authorizes $50 million annually (2027-2031) for states, local governments, and tribes to fund legal counsel, multilingual resource centers, and training for legal and law enforcement staff on ERPO processes. The grants specifically aim to help "covered petitioners" (those eligible to request ERPOs) access representation and understand the legal process, including distinguishing ERPOs from domestic violence protection orders. The bill does not change ERPO standards or create new court jurisdiction but ensures petitioners have legal support.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeFunds legal access for ERPOs, advancing criminal justice reform by improving system accessibility and reducing gun violence risks.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Domestic Violence Firearms

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in committee · United States · House Feb 9, 2026

HR 7447: Community Risk Training and Response Act of 2026

HR 7447, the Community Risk Training and Response Act of 2026, provides federal grants to states for developing standardized training on extreme risk protection orders (ERPOs). The bill authorizes the Attorney General to award grants of $200,000 to $500,000 per state for one year to support training for law enforcement, prosecutors, judges, healthcare providers, educators, and ERPO coordinators. These grants aim to create consistent, research-backed training materials and implementation guides for ERPO programs nationwide. The focus is on improving how states handle crisis intervention courts and safety protocols related to ERPOs, directly affecting state and local agencies managing these processes.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeFunds ERPO training for law enforcement/courts to implement risk-based firearm restrictions, supporting reform-focused criminal justice practices85% confidence

Sub-Topics Firearms Law Enforcement

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in committee · United States · Senate Jun 26, 2025

S 2188: ATF DATA Act

This bill requires the ATF to publish annual reports on firearm trace data, breaking down details like which dealers sold firearms later recovered in crimes. The reports must include data on "time-to-crime" (how quickly firearms are used in crimes), firearm types, locations of recoveries, and whether sales involved multiple firearms. It specifically tracks firearms sold by licensees, privately made guns, and firearms reported lost or stolen, disaggregated by dealer type, state, and crime patterns. The data aims to improve transparency for law enforcement and the public without changing gun laws or regulations.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRequires ATF to publish firearm trace data for law enforcement accountability, enhancing transparency in gun crime investigations.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Firearms Law Enforcement

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in committee · United States · House Apr 3, 2025

HR 2650: End Gun Violence Act of 2025

This bill prohibits firearm sales or transfers to individuals convicted of a "violent misdemeanor" within the past five years. A "violent misdemeanor" is defined as a state or local offense involving physical force, a deadly weapon, or intent to cause injury - requiring the original conviction to have included legal representation and a jury trial (or valid waiver). The law excludes expunged convictions or pardons unless civil rights restoration explicitly allows firearm possession. It directly affects people with recent violent misdemeanor convictions, blocking their access to firearms under federal law.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRestricts firearm access for violent misdemeanor offenders, promoting public safety and reducing gun violence - a key criminal justice reform goal. Requires due process in original convictions, protecting civil rights.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Civil Rights Firearms Violent Crime

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in committee · United States · Senate Jun 26, 2025

S 2186: Preventing Pretrial Gun Purchases Act

This bill amends federal gun law to prevent individuals under certain court-ordered pretrial restrictions from purchasing firearms. It adds a new definition of "pretrial release order" (a court order restricting release pending trial) and modifies Section 922(d) to explicitly prohibit firearm purchases or possession by anyone subject to such an order. The law directly affects arrested individuals awaiting trial who have a court order banning firearm possession, including those in federal, state, tribal, or local courts. The key change clarifies that firearm transfers to these individuals would violate federal law, strengthening background checks during the pretrial phase.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRestricts firearm access for individuals under pretrial court orders, enhancing public safety and aligning with criminal justice reform goals by preventing potential gun violence during pretrial phases.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Drug Policy Firearms

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in committee · United States · House Sep 17, 2025

HR 5430: FORTIFY Act

The FORTIFY Act expands a federal grant program to help schools improve security by allowing funds to cover hiring school resource officers (SROs), purchasing their firearms and protective gear, and buying vehicles like golf carts for SROs. It directly affects schools and local governments applying for these grants under the Safe Streets Act. The bill also requires the Attorney General to provide technical assistance to rural and underserved areas to improve their access to these grants. This changes the program's eligible uses without altering overall funding levels.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeThe bill funds school resource officers (SROs) and equipment, directly expanding law enforcement presence in schools - a component of criminal justice policy. It explicitly advances school security through law enforcement funding.90% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationExpands federal grants for school security funding (SROs, gear, vehicles), directly enhancing school safety infrastructure per bill summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Firearms Law Enforcement School Safety

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in committee · United States · Senate Nov 19, 2025

S 3214: Background Check Expansion Act

The Background Check Expansion Act requires most private firearm transfers between unlicensed individuals to go through a licensed dealer, who must conduct a background check as if the dealer were selling the firearm. Exceptions include transfers between close family members (like parents and children), law enforcement, temporary safety-related transfers (e.g., preventing domestic violence), and transfers for hunting or target shooting with specific safeguards. Licensed dealers must provide a notice about the background check requirement and have the buyer sign a certification form. The bill does not create a national gun registry and preserves states' authority to enact stricter firearm laws. It takes effect 180 days after enactment.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRequires background checks for private firearm transfers to prevent gun violence, aligning with criminal justice reform goals to enhance public safety and reduce firearm-related crimes.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence Drug Policy Firearms

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passed · United States · House May 14, 2025

HRES 405: Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2240) to require the Attorney General to develop reports relating to violent attacks against law enforcement officers, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2243) to amend title 18, United States Code, to improve the Law Enforcement Officer Safety Act and provisions relating to the carrying of concealed weapons by law enforcement officers, and for other purposes; and providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2255) to allow Federal law enforcement officers to purchase retired service weapons, and for other purposes.

HRES 405 is a procedural resolution that sets the rules for the House to debate and vote on three related bills. It waives objections and limits debate to one hour for H.R. 2240 (requiring reports on attacks against law enforcement), H.R. 2243 (amending officer safety laws and concealed carry rules), and H.R. 2255 (allowing federal officers to purchase retired service weapons). This resolution does not change the bills' content but streamlines their consideration process.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeEnables bills strengthening law enforcement safety, a key aspect of criminal justice.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Firearms Law Enforcement

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