H.R.2650 - End Gun Violence Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2650, the End Gun Violence Act of 2025, seeks to amend Title 18 of the United States Code to prohibit the sale or disposition of firearms and ammunition to individuals convicted of violent misdemeanors within the preceding five years. The bill defines 'violent misdemeanor' and outlines conditions under which a conviction qualifies, including representation by counsel or waiver thereof, and jury trial considerations. It also includes conforming amendments to other sections of Title 18 and related acts, and specifies that the amendments will not apply retroactively to convictions occurring before six months after the enactment date.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill would be to expand the categories of individuals prohibited from purchasing or possessing firearms. This could potentially reduce gun violence by preventing individuals with a history of violent behavior from acquiring firearms. The bill also aims to standardize background check procedures and ensure consistency across federal laws.
Potential Benefits
- Reduced gun violence by preventing individuals with a history of violent misdemeanors from legally purchasing firearms.
- Enhanced public safety through stricter firearm regulations.
- Clearer definitions of prohibited individuals, leading to more effective enforcement.
- Standardized background check procedures, improving the accuracy and reliability of the system.
- Conforming amendments ensure consistency across different sections of Title 18 and related acts.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for infringing on the Second Amendment rights of individuals who have committed violent misdemeanors but have otherwise led law-abiding lives.
- Increased burden on the justice system to accurately classify and track violent misdemeanors.
- Possible challenges in defining and consistently applying the definition of 'violent misdemeanor' across different jurisdictions.
- Risk of inadvertently capturing minor offenses within the definition of 'violent misdemeanor'.
- Delayed implementation due to the six-month grace period before the amendments apply to existing convictions.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's alignment with the Constitution is complex. The Second Amendment guarantees the right to bear arms, but this right is not unlimited. The Supreme Court has acknowledged the government's power to regulate firearm ownership to promote public safety. The bill's restrictions on individuals convicted of violent misdemeanors may be seen as a reasonable regulation, but could also be challenged as an infringement on Second Amendment rights, particularly if the definition of 'violent misdemeanor' is overly broad. The bill does include provisions to ensure due process, such as requiring representation by counsel or a knowing waiver thereof, which aligns with the Fifth and Sixth Amendments.
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).