Banning Firearm Possession for Misdemeanor Hate Crime Convicts.
This law establishes a federal prohibition on buying and possessing firearms for individuals convicted of specific misdemeanor hate crimes involving force or threats. The goal is to enhance public safety by restricting gun access for those who have demonstrated violence motivated by bias related to race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation. The prohibition also applies if a misdemeanor sentence was enhanced due to a judicial finding of hate motivation.
Key points
Individuals convicted of misdemeanor hate crimes involving physical force or credible threats lose their right to possess or purchase firearms.
The prohibition covers crimes motivated by bias against race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability.
Exceptions apply if the conviction has been expunged, set aside, or if civil rights have been restored without an explicit firearm restriction.
Introduced
Additional Information
Print number: 119_S_3256
Sponsor: Sen. Luján, Ben Ray [D-NM]
Process start date: 2025-11-20