Criminal Justice (Firearms)

in committee · United States · House Jun 8, 2026

HR 9208: HEAR Act of 2026

The HEAR Act of 2026 makes it illegal for most people to import, sell, manufacture, transfer, or possess firearm silencers and mufflers. The law allows exceptions for law enforcement officers, campus security personnel, nuclear facility employees, and licensed manufacturers conducting authorized testing. To help individuals comply with the new restrictions, the bill requires the Attorney General to create a nationwide buy-back program that pays people who surrender their silencers. These changes would take effect 90 days after the bill is signed into law.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill expands criminalization by banning silencers for most citizens and mandates a buy-back program to remove them, restricting lawful possession.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Firearms Law Enforcement

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in committee · United States · House Jun 23, 2026

HR 9205: Protect Every Preschooler Act of 2026

The Protect Every Preschooler Act of 2026 expands the federal Gun Free School Zones Act to include early childhood education programs and preschools. This change directly affects firearm regulations by prohibiting the possession of guns in these specific educational settings, which were previously not explicitly covered under the law. The bill achieves this by amending the United States Code to add definitions for early childhood education programs and preschools to the list of protected areas. Consequently, individuals attempting to carry firearms into these locations would be subject to federal penalties under the existing gun-free zone provisions.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens gun safety in early childhood settings by expanding prohibited possession zones, aligning with public safety and crime prevention goals.75% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill protects early childhood education settings by prohibiting firearms, enhancing safety and access.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Firearms Early Childhood

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in committee · United States · Senate Jun 3, 2026

S 4671: Federal Firearms Licensee Protection Act of 2026

The Federal Firearms Licensee Protection Act of 2026 increases penalties for individuals who knowingly violate federal laws regarding the possession of firearms by licensed dealers. Specifically, it raises the maximum prison sentence for such violations to 20 years and mandates a minimum of three years in prison if the offense occurs during a burglary of a licensed business. The law also sets a five-year minimum sentence if the violation happens during a robbery. These changes directly affect federal firearms licensees and anyone attempting to illegally possess firearms from them.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill increases mandatory prison sentences and expands criminal penalties for firearm violations, restricting due process and enhancing punitive measures.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Drug Policy Firearms

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in committee · United States · House May 7, 2026

HR 8694: Assault Weapon Financing Accountability Act

The Assault Weapon Financing Accountability Act prohibits the use of "Buy Now, Pay Later" loans to purchase semiautomatic assault weapons. This ban applies to both lenders offering these short-term credit products and dealers who accept such loans for firearm sales. The bill defines "semiautomatic assault weapons" based on specific physical features like pistol grips, forward grips, and high-capacity magazines, and sets a civil penalty of $100,000 for violations by lenders or sellers.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill restricts financing for assault weapons, aiming to reduce firearm availability and enhance public safety within the criminal justice system.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Firearms Violent Crime

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in committee · United States · Senate Jun 1, 2026

SCONRES 34: A concurrent resolution recognizing the importance of saving lives, reducing gun violence, and strengthening public safety as the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary.

This concurrent resolution formally acknowledges the importance of saving lives and reducing gun violence as the United States marks its 250th anniversary in 2026. It does not change any laws but instead expresses Congress's commitment to public safety and honors those affected by gun violence. The document highlights support for community-based violence intervention, improved law enforcement data collection, and expanded victim services. By recognizing these issues, the resolution aims to encourage continued efforts to protect communities and strengthen public safety nationwide.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeResolution advocates for saving lives, reducing gun violence, and strengthening public safety via community intervention and better data.65% confidence

Sub-Topics Firearms Law Enforcement

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in committee · United States · Senate May 18, 2026

S 4553: Aaron Salter, Jr., Responsible Body Armor Possession Act

This bill, known as the Aaron Salter, Jr., Responsible Body Armor Possession Act, prohibits civilians from buying, owning, or possessing enhanced body armor. The law defines enhanced body armor as protective gear that meets or exceeds the ballistic resistance of RF1 armor, which includes certain helmets and shields. Exceptions are made for law enforcement officers, government agencies, and individuals who already legally owned such armor before the law takes effect. Violating this ban could result in a fine, up to five years in prison, or both penalties.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill restricts civilian access to body armor, limiting self-defense capabilities and reducing protections for individuals against violent crime.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Drug Policy Firearms

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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 May 7, 2026

HR 8678: Zero Tolerance for Political Violence Act of 2026

This bill, titled the Zero Tolerance for Political Violence Act of 2026, proposes to increase the mandatory minimum prison sentences for individuals who attempt to assassinate specific federal officials. The legislation directly impacts anyone attempting to kill the President, Cabinet members, Supreme Court justices, and members of Congress. Under the new provisions, a conviction for such an attempt would result in a minimum of 25 years in prison or life imprisonment. These changes amend existing federal statutes to enforce stricter penalties uniformly for designated targets.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill increases mandatory minimum prison sentences and expands criminalization, which aligns with indicators for opposing criminal justice reform.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Firearms Sentencing Violent Crime

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in committee · United States · House Feb 25, 2026

HR 7703: Stop Illegal Alien Cops Act

The Stop Illegal Alien Cops Act amends federal law to modify exemptions for government entities regarding firearms. Currently, federal, state, and local government agencies are generally exempt from many federal prohibitions when acquiring or supplying firearms for official use. This bill would remove that exemption for specific prohibitions, making it unlawful for government entities to provide firearms to or employ individuals who are unlawfully in the United States. Additionally, the bill removes the

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill restricts law enforcement by prohibiting government entities from employing or arming individuals unlawfully in the US, limiting police operational capacity.75% confidence ✗ ImmigrationOpposes ImmigrationBill restricts government entities from employing individuals unlawfully in the US and removes firearm exemptions for such individuals, limiting protections for immigrants.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Firearms Enforcement Sanctuary Policies

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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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