Exempting Less-Than-Lethal Devices from Federal Firearms Restrictions
This Act modernizes federal firearms laws by creating a new category for 'less-than-lethal projectile devices.' These devices are explicitly exempted from standard federal firearms restrictions, provided they are not designed to fire conventional ammunition or exceed a velocity of 500 feet per second. This change aims to facilitate the use of de-escalation technology by law enforcement, potentially impacting public safety procedures.
Key points
Establishes a new definition for 'less-than-lethal projectile device' within Title 18 of the U.S. Code.
These devices are exempted from federal firearms restrictions if they are not designed to cause death or serious bodily injury and cannot fire standard ammunition.
The devices must not accept ammunition feeding devices loaded through a pistol grip or commonly used in semiautomatic firearms.
The Attorney General must determine if a device meets this definition within 90 days of receiving a request.
Placed on Calendar
Additional Information
Print number: 119_HR_2189
Sponsor: Rep. Fitzgerald, Scott [R-WI-5]
Process start date: 2025-03-18