Criminal Justice (Firearms)

in committee · United States · Senate Apr 16, 2026

S 4339: Virginia Plan to Reduce Gun Violence Act of 2026

This federal legislation amends United States gun laws to restrict firearm sales, transfers, and possession, directly affecting individuals, licensed dealers, and law enforcement agencies. It introduces limits on handgun purchases, bans the sale of undetectable "ghost guns," and defines specific firearms as assault weapons that minors cannot possess. The bill establishes a national framework for extreme risk protection orders, allowing courts to temporarily remove firearms from individuals posing a danger to themselves or others, and mandates firearm surrender for those subject to domestic violence restraining orders. Additional provisions require reporting lost or stolen firearms within 48 hours, prohibit leaving loaded guns accessible to children, and ban firearm possession in certain higher education and mental health facility zones. The act authorizes federal grants to states and local governments to help implement these safety measures and train law enforcement officers.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill aims to reduce gun violence by restricting firearm sales and establishing extreme risk protection orders, directly strengthening public safety and criminal justice outcomes.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence Drug Policy Firearms

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in committee · United States · House Mar 3, 2026

HR 7766: Stop Militarizing Law Enforcement Act

The Stop Militarizing Law Enforcement Act reforms the Department of Defense's 1033 program, which transfers surplus military equipment to federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. The bill prohibits the transfer of specific military-grade items, including controlled firearms (like automatic weapons), ammunition, grenades, mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicles, and silencers. For any permitted transfers, non-federal agencies must notify their local community, get approval from their local governing body, and certify the equipment's necessity for specific public safety or emergency purposes. The bill also mandates increased accountability for all transferred property, prohibits agencies from taking ownership, and requires the return of equipment if an agency is involved in widespread civil liberties abuses using that property.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill restricts military equipment transfers to law enforcement, enhancing police accountability and protecting civil rights by limiting militarization.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Firearms Law Enforcement

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in committee · United States · House Mar 24, 2026

HR 8059: Unserialized Firearm Harm Oversight and Serialization Act of 2026

This bill requires licensed firearm dealers to add serial numbers to unserialized guns they receive and to those they manufacture using 3D printing or similar non-traditional methods. It defines additive manufacturing as layer-by-layer processes like 3D printing and mandates that dealers engrave or cast serial numbers on frames and receivers, then report this information to the Attorney General. Dealers who fail to comply face civil fines up to $10,000 for first offenses and criminal penalties including up to $100,000 in fines and one year in prison for subsequent violations. The bill also creates a tax credit for dealers who spend money on serialization equipment and limits how the Attorney General can use the collected serial number data to only active criminal investigations. State laws regarding firearm serialization remain unaffected by these federal requirements.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens firearm oversight and accountability by requiring serial numbers on all guns, including 3D-printed ones, enhancing public safety and law enforcement capabilities.85% confidence ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyBill restricts 3D printing technology by requiring serial numbers on 3D printed firearms, limiting non-traditional manufacturing methods and imposing penalties on dealers using additive manufacturing.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Firearms

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in committee · United States · Senate Mar 17, 2026

S 4121: Vote Without Fear Act

This bill, known as the Vote Without Fear Act, would make it a federal crime to knowingly possess a firearm inside or within 100 yards of a Federal election site, such as a polling place or ballot counting location. The law applies to anyone who is aware or has reason to believe they are near such a site, with exceptions for law enforcement, security personnel on duty, vehicles where firearms remain inside, and lawful possession on private property. Violations of the basic possession rule could result in fines or up to one year in prison, while possessing a firearm with intent to use it in a crime carries a potential sentence of up to five years. The bill also increases penalties for any homicides or conspiracies involving firearms at these election sites.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens criminal justice by prohibiting firearm possession near federal election sites, enhancing public safety and protecting voting rights through increased security measures.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Drug Policy Firearms

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in committee · United States · Senate Feb 26, 2026

S 3945: Tribal Police Department Parity Act

This bill, known as the Tribal Police Department Parity Act, would extend existing federal firearms access laws to Tribal law enforcement agencies, ensuring they have the same authority as Federal, State, and local agencies. The legislation amends Title 18 of the United States Code to explicitly include Indian Tribes and their departments in provisions related to machinegun transfers and the transportation, shipment, receipt, possession, and importation of firearms and ammunition. It also modifies the Internal Revenue Code to apply tax exemptions for firearms transfers to Tribal entities on the same basis as State governments. These changes would allow Tribal police departments to legally access and use firearms under the same federal regulations that currently apply to other law enforcement agencies.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill extends federal firearms access laws to Tribal law enforcement, strengthening their capacity to enforce laws and protect communities.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Firearms Law Enforcement Tags Tribal Nations

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in committee · United States · Senate Mar 5, 2026

S 4013: National Constitutional Carry Act

This bill, titled the National Constitutional Carry Act, would prohibit states and local governments from imposing criminal or civil penalties on U.S. citizens for carrying firearms in public places. It directly affects state and local laws by declaring any statute, ordinance, or regulation that restricts public firearm carry for eligible citizens unenforceable. The legislation defines "public" to include most open spaces while allowing private property owners to post clear signs prohibiting firearms, and it explicitly includes the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and U.S. possessions under its jurisdiction. By amending federal law, the bill would override state restrictions on public carry for individuals who are legally allowed to own firearms under both state and federal rules.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill protects Second Amendment rights and limits state restrictions on firearm carry, aligning with civil rights protection and reducing government overreach in criminal justice.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Firearms

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in committee · United States · House Feb 20, 2025

HR 496: Veterans 2nd Amendment Restoration Act of 2025

HR 496, the Veterans 2nd Amendment Restoration Act of 2025, directly affects veterans who were previously flagged for firearm restrictions based on Veterans Affairs (VA) determinations of mental incompetence or fiduciary appointments. The bill requires the VA to notify the Department of Justice within 30 days that its past practice of sharing such veteran information with the national background check system was improper. It also explicitly prohibits treating veterans as "mental defectives" for gun restrictions solely because the VA determined they were mentally incompetent or required a fiduciary under VA regulations. This changes how VA decisions are used in federal firearm background checks, removing an automatic barrier for affected veterans.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill restores firearm rights to veterans wrongly flagged due to VA determinations, protecting civil rights and correcting improper restrictions on veterans.85% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransRestores Second Amendment rights for veterans unfairly restricted by VA mental incompetence determinations, correcting improper background checks and prohibiting discriminatory 'mental defective' labeling.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Firearms Veteran Benefits Veteran Healthcare Veteran Mental Health

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in committee · United States · House Mar 17, 2026

HR 7965: Vote Without Fear Act

This bill, titled the Vote Without Fear Act, would make it a federal crime to knowingly possess or bring a firearm within 100 yards of a Federal election site, such as a polling place or ballot counting location. The law applies to anyone who has reason to believe they are at an election site and carries a weapon there, with exceptions for law enforcement, security personnel on duty, firearms in vehicles that are not removed or brandished, and lawful possession on private property or residences. Penalties include fines and up to one year in prison for unauthorized possession, or up to five years if the firearm is intended for use in a crime, with additional severe penalties for any deaths occurring during such violations.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens criminal justice by prohibiting unauthorized firearm possession near federal election sites, enhancing public safety and protecting voters' rights.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Drug Policy Firearms

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in committee · United States · House Jan 22, 2025

HR 613: ATF Transparency Act

HR 613, the ATF Transparency Act, requires the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) to improve transparency and speed for firearm transfer and manufacturing applications. It mandates that applicants denied a transfer due to background check issues receive their NICS transaction number, can appeal denials through a formal process, and may submit information to prevent future errors - plus, successful appellants get reimbursed for reasonable attorney fees. The bill also sets a strict 90-day deadline for ATF to approve or deny applications; if not decided within that time, the application is automatically approved. This directly affects individuals and businesses seeking to legally transfer or manufacture firearms who face delays or denials under current background check procedures.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill enhances ATF transparency and provides appeal mechanisms for denied firearm transfers, strengthening oversight and protecting civil rights within criminal justice system.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Firearms

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in committee · United States · House Jun 26, 2025

HR 4152: Safe Storage Saves Lives Act

HR 4152, the Safe Storage Saves Lives Act, requires gun sellers to offer a compatible gun lock with every firearm sale. It directly affects licensed gun retailers, who must make such locks available at the point of purchase. The bill amends federal law to mandate that sellers provide a secure storage device compatible with the firearm, with violations subject to $1,000 civil penalties. Funds from these penalties must be used for distributing free/reduced-cost locks or public awareness campaigns about safe storage.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill aims to reduce gun violence by requiring gun locks, which can prevent accidental shootings and suicides, aligning with public safety and criminal justice reform goals.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Firearms

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