Raise the Age Act of 2025
- Sponsor
- Rep. Ivey, Glenn [D-MD-4]
- Committees
- Judiciary Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Mar 26, 2025
Bottom line
The bill raises the minimum age for purchasing specific high-capacity semiautomatic firearms from federal licensees to 21, with exceptions for military and law enforcement, and requires an FBI report on information sharing.
What it actually does
This bill amends federal law to prohibit Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs) from selling or delivering certain semiautomatic centerfire rifles or shotguns (those with a capacity exceeding 5 rounds) to individuals under 21 years of age. It includes exceptions for active duty military personnel and full-time law enforcement officers. Additionally, the bill mandates the Director of the FBI to submit a report to Congress on the operation and information-sharing protocols of the FBI's public access line.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that raising the age for these specific firearms will reduce gun violence, particularly in mass shootings, as individuals under 21 are statistically more prone to impulsive acts and these weapons are frequently used in such incidents. They contend that the exceptions for trained military and law enforcement personnel are appropriate given their professional responsibilities.
Opponents contend
Opponents contend that this bill infringes upon the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding adults aged 18-20, who are legally considered adults for other significant responsibilities like voting and military service. They argue it unfairly penalizes responsible young adults and may not effectively deter crime, potentially pushing sales into unregulated private markets.
The bill is very short and directly states its provisions, making it highly accessible for a quick review.
Section 2(a), amending 18 U.S.C. 922(b)(1)
Prohibition on Sale of Certain Semiautomatic Firearms to Individuals Under 21
This provision amends federal law to prohibit Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs) from selling or delivering any semiautomatic centerfire rifle or semiautomatic centerfire shotgun that has, or can accept, an ammunition feeding device with a capacity exceeding 5 rounds, to any individual under 21 years of age. This creates a new age restriction specifically for these types of firearms.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that this measure is a critical step to reduce gun violence, particularly mass shootings, by limiting access to firearms often used in such incidents for a demographic statistically associated with higher rates of impulsive violence. They believe it will save lives and enhance public safety.
Critics contend
Opponents contend that this provision infringes on the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding adults aged 18-20. They argue that if these individuals are old enough to vote, enter contracts, and serve in the military, they should be entitled to exercise their right to self-defense by purchasing firearms.
Tradeoffs
This provision navigates the tension between enhancing public safety through firearm restrictions and upholding individual Second Amendment rights for young adults. It seeks to mitigate specific risks associated with certain firearms and age groups while acknowledging broader constitutional protections.
Section 2(c), adding 18 U.S.C. 921(a)(38)
Definition of 'Qualified Individual' for Age Exemption
This section defines 'qualified individual' as a member of the Armed Forces on active duty or a full-time employee of the United States, a State, or a political subdivision of a State who is authorized to carry a firearm in their official duties. These individuals are explicitly exempted from the new 21-year age restriction for purchasing the specified semiautomatic firearms.
Section 3
FBI Public Access Line Operations Report
This section mandates the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to submit a report within 90 days of the Act's enactment to the House and Senate Judiciary Committees. The report must detail the protocols and procedures for information-sharing between the FBI's public access line and its field offices, and include recommendations for improving these information-sharing processes.