Garrett’s Law
- Sponsor
- Rep. Mullin, Kevin [D-CA-15]
- Committees
- Judiciary Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Sep 24, 2026
Bottom line
This bill reclassifies certain high-powered air guns as firearms under federal law, subjecting them to the same regulations as traditional firearms, including licensing, serialization, and record-keeping requirements.
What it actually does
This bill amends chapter 44 of title 18, United States Code, to expand the definition of "firearm" to include "lethal air guns." It defines lethal air guns based on specific caliber and muzzle velocity thresholds, or by Attorney General designation, excluding paint-filled pellet weapons. The bill sets an effective date 850 days after enactment and requires the Attorney General to publish guidance for manufacturers within 365 days to assist with compliance.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue this bill closes a regulatory loophole that allows dangerous weapons capable of causing death to be unregulated, thereby enhancing public safety by applying federal firearm laws to these devices. They emphasize the lethal potential of certain air guns and the necessity of preventing their misuse, with the short title "Garrett's Law" suggesting a specific incident or victim motivates the legislation.
Opponents contend
Opponents may argue that classifying air guns as firearms is an overreach of federal authority, potentially infringing on the rights of responsible owners and criminalizing common recreational equipment. They might contend that existing laws are sufficient or that the definition is overly broad, impacting legitimate sporting or hunting activities and imposing undue burdens on manufacturers and retailers.
The bill is very short and straightforward to read, allowing ample time for public consideration before its delayed effective date.
Section 2(a)(1)
Amending the Definition of "Firearm"
This provision modifies paragraph (3) of section 921(a) of title 18, United States Code, to explicitly include "any lethal air gun" within the federal definition of a "firearm." This means that lethal air guns would be subject to all federal laws and regulations that apply to firearms, such as those concerning manufacturing, dealing, possession by prohibited persons, and interstate commerce.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that this reclassification is essential for public safety, as certain air guns possess lethal capabilities comparable to traditional firearms and should therefore be regulated similarly to prevent their misuse in crimes.
Critics contend
Critics contend that this reclassification is an overreach, as air guns are distinct from firearms and should not be subjected to the same stringent regulations, which could unduly burden law-abiding citizens and legitimate recreational activities.
Tradeoffs
The bill balances the perceived need for increased public safety through regulation against concerns about potential burdens on manufacturers, retailers, and owners of air guns, and the scope of federal authority over such devices.
Section 2(a)(2)
Defining "Lethal Air Gun"
This section adds a new paragraph (39) to 18 U.S.C. 921(a) defining "lethal air gun." It specifies that a lethal air gun is any weapon (excluding paint-filled pellet guns) that expels a pellet via air or gas pressure, meeting certain caliber and muzzle velocity thresholds (e.g., .177 caliber at 800+ fps, .22 caliber at 500+ fps, .25 caliber at 450+ fps), or any metallic pellet above .25 caliber. The Attorney General is also granted rulemaking authority to designate other weapons as lethal air guns if capable of causing death.
Section 2(b)
Delayed Effective Date
The amendments made by this Act will take effect 850 days after the date of its enactment. This provides a significant grace period for manufacturers, retailers, and owners to understand and comply with the new federal regulations before they become enforceable.
Section 2(c)
Guidance for Manufacturers
Within 365 days of enactment, the Attorney General is required to publish guidance, including on their website, to assist manufacturers of lethal air guns in becoming Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs). This guidance must cover the application process and compliance with requirements such as serialization and record-keeping.