S.597 - Age 21 Act (119th Congress)
Summary
S.597, the "Age 21 Act," aims to amend Title 18 of the United States Code to prohibit individuals under 21 years of age from purchasing certain firearms. The bill defines specific types of firearms, including semiautomatic pistols, shotguns, and assault weapons, and restricts their sale to individuals under the specified age. It also addresses large capacity ammunition feeding devices.
The bill outlines exceptions for temporary transfers under specific conditions, such as employment, ranching/farming activities, target practice, hunting, or courses of instruction, with parental consent. It also includes exceptions for members of the Armed Forces or National Guard acting in the line of duty, inheritance of title (but not possession), and self-defense situations.
The Act seeks to reduce gun violence by limiting access to certain firearms for young adults, while also providing exceptions for legitimate uses and activities.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill, if enacted, would be to raise the minimum age for purchasing certain firearms to 21. This would likely lead to a decrease in firearm sales to individuals under 21, potentially impacting crime rates and accidental shootings involving this age group.
It could also affect legal gun owners under 21 who use these firearms for hunting, sport shooting, or self-defense, requiring them to meet specific conditions for temporary transfers or possession.
Potential Benefits
- Potential reduction in gun violence and accidental shootings involving individuals under 21.
- Increased public safety by limiting access to certain firearms for a demographic potentially more prone to impulsive behavior.
- Clarification of definitions for various types of firearms, reducing ambiguity in existing laws.
- Exceptions for legitimate uses such as hunting, sport shooting, and employment, ensuring responsible individuals are not unduly restricted.
- Alignment with existing age restrictions on other potentially dangerous items, such as alcohol and tobacco.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential infringement on the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens aged 18-20.
- May create a black market for firearms, making it more difficult to track and regulate gun sales to this age group.
- Could disproportionately affect young adults in rural areas who rely on firearms for hunting and self-defense.
- Complex definitions of "semiautomatic assault weapons" may lead to confusion and inconsistent enforcement.
- Potential for legal challenges based on equal protection and Second Amendment grounds.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's constitutional alignment is complex, particularly concerning the Second Amendment, which guarantees the right to bear arms. The Supreme Court has acknowledged this right but has also recognized the possibility of reasonable restrictions. The central question is whether raising the minimum age to purchase certain firearms constitutes a reasonable restriction or an infringement.
Arguments for constitutionality would rely on the government's interest in promoting public safety and reducing gun violence, potentially aligning with the "well regulated Militia" clause. Arguments against would focus on the individual right to bear arms for self-defense, as articulated in District of Columbia v. Heller and McDonald v. City of Chicago.
The bill's specific definitions of firearms and exceptions for certain activities may also be subject to legal scrutiny to ensure they are neither overly broad nor unduly restrictive.
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).