H.R.2368 - Raise the Age Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2368, the Raise the Age Act of 2025, aims to amend Title 18 of the United States Code to prohibit Federal firearms licensees from selling or delivering certain semiautomatic centerfire rifles or shotguns to individuals under 21 years of age. Exceptions are made for active duty military personnel and full-time law enforcement officers. The bill also mandates a report from the FBI Director regarding the operation of the FBI's public access line, focusing on information-sharing protocols.
Expected Effects
If enacted, the bill would raise the minimum age for purchasing certain semiautomatic rifles and shotguns to 21, potentially reducing gun violence involving younger individuals. The FBI report could lead to improved information sharing and potentially enhance law enforcement's ability to prevent crime. This could impact legal gun owners under 21 and affect the firearms industry.
Potential Benefits
- Potential reduction in gun violence, particularly among younger individuals.
- Enhanced public safety through stricter regulations on firearm sales.
- Improved information sharing within the FBI, potentially leading to more effective crime prevention.
- May reduce the risk of mass shootings involving young adults using these types of firearms.
- Could lead to a decrease in accidental shootings among the under-21 age group.
Potential Disadvantages
- Restrictions on Second Amendment rights for individuals aged 18-20.
- Potential legal challenges based on age discrimination.
- Increased burden on Federal firearms licensees to verify age and qualified individual status.
- May not deter individuals intent on acquiring firearms illegally.
- Could disproportionately affect young adults in rural areas who use these firearms for hunting or sport.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's alignment with the Second Amendment is a key constitutional consideration. The Second Amendment guarantees the right of the people to keep and bear Arms. However, this right is not unlimited, and the Supreme Court has acknowledged reasonable restrictions. The question is whether raising the age to 21 for certain firearms constitutes a reasonable restriction. The bill could be challenged as infringing upon the rights of 18-20 year olds, especially given the exceptions for military and law enforcement personnel of the same age. The Tenth Amendment, reserving powers not delegated to the federal government to the states, might also be invoked if the law is seen as unduly infringing on state authority over firearms regulation.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).