Protecting the Mailing of Firearms Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Biggs, Sheri [R-SC-3]
- Committees
- Judiciary Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Apr 28, 2025
Bottom line
The bill aims to significantly deregulate the mailing of firearms and ammunition via the U.S. Postal Service, removing existing prohibitions and preventing future restrictions on shipping and related data disclosure.
What it actually does
This bill repeals 18 U.S.C. 1715, which currently prohibits the mailing of concealable firearms through the U.S. Postal Service. It further restricts the Postmaster General's authority, preventing the creation of rules that prohibit or materially impede the mailing of firearms, ammunition, or components, and disallowing requirements for disclosure of sales receipts, transaction records, customer records, or serial numbers for mailed items.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that this bill enhances Second Amendment rights by removing an outdated and burdensome federal prohibition on mailing concealable firearms, ensuring that law-abiding citizens and licensed businesses have equal access to postal services for shipping. They contend it prevents arbitrary restrictions by the USPS that could infringe upon constitutional rights and create unnecessary logistical and financial hurdles for the firearms industry.
Opponents contend
Opponents contend that repealing the prohibition on mailing concealable firearms and restricting USPS's regulatory authority would significantly increase public safety risks. They argue it could make it easier for firearms to fall into the wrong hands, complicate law enforcement efforts to track firearms, and potentially facilitate illegal gun trafficking by removing a critical federal safeguard.
The bill is exceptionally short and clearly written, making it very accessible for any reader to understand its provisions and implications quickly.
Section 2(a), (b), (c)
Repeal of Prohibition on Mailing Concealable Firearms
This section repeals section 1715 of title 18, United States Code, which currently prohibits the mailing of pistols, revolvers, and other firearms capable of being concealed on the person. This repeal would allow individuals and licensed entities to legally mail concealable firearms through the U.S. Postal Service. The bill explicitly states that this repeal applies to any cases pending on the date of enactment, including those on appeal.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that this repeal removes an undue burden on Second Amendment rights, allowing law-abiding citizens and licensed dealers to use the most ubiquitous and often most affordable shipping service for firearms. They assert that existing federal laws still regulate the transfer of handguns, ensuring that recipients must go through a licensed dealer, thus maintaining safety while expanding shipping options.
Critics contend
Critics contend that repealing this long-standing prohibition would significantly increase the risk of firearms being lost, stolen, or diverted to prohibited individuals. They argue that it removes a critical federal safeguard that helps prevent illegal gun trafficking and could make it harder for law enforcement to interdict illicit firearm shipments.
Tradeoffs
This provision navigates the tension between expanding the shipping options and convenience for legal firearm owners and businesses, and the public safety concerns related to the potential for increased illicit firearm movement or accidental loss within the postal system.
Section 3
Limitation on United States Postal Service Rules Relating to Mailing Firearms
This section explicitly prohibits the Postmaster General from making any rule that would ban or significantly hinder the mailing of firearms, ammunition, or any component thereof. Furthermore, it prevents the Postmaster General from requiring the disclosure of firearm or ammunition sales receipts, transaction records, customer records, or the serial number of any firearm or component as a condition of mailing. This provision aims to preempt future regulatory actions by the USPS that could restrict firearm-related mailings or impose data collection requirements.