Firearm Safety Act of 2025
- Sponsor
- Rep. Kelly, Robin L. [D-IL-2]
- Committees
- Energy and Commerce Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Feb 11, 2026
Bottom line
The bill expands the Consumer Product Safety Commission's regulatory authority to include firearms, enabling the agency to establish and enforce safety standards for these products.
What it actually does
This bill, titled the 'Firearm Safety Act of 2025,' amends the Consumer Product Safety Act by removing the specific exclusion of pistols, revolvers, and other firearms from the definition of a 'consumer product.' This change would grant the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) the authority to issue safety standards for firearms, treating them similarly to other consumer goods under the agency's jurisdiction.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that applying consumer product safety standards to firearms is a common-sense measure to reduce preventable deaths and injuries. They contend that firearms, like any other product sold to consumers, should meet basic safety requirements to protect the public, and the CPSC possesses the necessary expertise to develop and enforce such standards.
Opponents contend
Opponents contend that firearms are not ordinary consumer products and are already subject to extensive regulation by other federal agencies, such as the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). They argue that granting the CPSC jurisdiction over firearms would infringe upon Second Amendment rights, impose undue burdens on manufacturers and law-abiding gun owners, and that the CPSC lacks the specialized expertise for such regulation.
The bill text is extremely short, allowing for quick comprehension. However, its implications are far-reaching and warrant deeper consideration beyond a superficial reading.
Section 2
Removal of Firearm Exclusion from Consumer Product Safety Act
This section amends Section 3(a)(5) of the Consumer Product Safety Act (15 U.S.C. 2052(a)(5)) by striking subparagraph (E). Subparagraph (E) explicitly excludes 'pistols, revolvers, or other firearms' from the definition of a 'consumer product.' By removing this exclusion, the bill would bring firearms under the regulatory authority of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), allowing the agency to develop and enforce safety standards for these products.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that this provision is essential for public safety, as it would allow an expert agency to address preventable firearm-related deaths and injuries through product design. They believe that if other potentially dangerous products are regulated for safety, firearms should be too, leveraging the CPSC's proven track record in consumer protection.
Critics contend
Critics contend that this provision is an inappropriate expansion of CPSC authority, arguing that firearms are not typical consumer products and are already adequately regulated by other federal agencies. They also raise concerns that CPSC regulation could lead to restrictions that infringe upon Second Amendment rights and impose unreasonable burdens on the firearm industry.
Tradeoffs
The provision navigates the tension between enhancing public safety through product regulation and concerns regarding Second Amendment rights, federal overreach, and the economic impact on the firearm industry. It also raises questions about the appropriate scope of the CPSC's mandate.