HR2368-119

What This Bill Does

The Raise the Age Act amends federal firearms dealer rules. Licensed dealers could not sell or deliver a semiautomatic centerfire rifle or semiautomatic centerfire shotgun that has or can accept an ammunition feeding device over five rounds to a person under 21 unless that person is a qualified individual. Qualified individuals are active-duty Armed Forces members and full-time federal, state, or local government employees authorized to carry a firearm in official duties. The bill also updates mail-order or non-over-the-counter purchaser certifications and defines ammunition feeding device, excluding certain .22 caliber rimfire tubular devices. Separately, the FBI Director must report within 90 days to the House and Senate Judiciary Committees on Public Access Line protocols for information sharing with FBI field offices and recommendations to improve them.

Who Benefits and How

Public safety advocates benefit because the bill restricts dealer access to higher-capacity semiautomatic centerfire long guns for buyers under 21. Communities worried about youth gun violence benefit if fewer under-21 buyers can acquire covered rifles or shotguns through licensed dealers. Active-duty Armed Forces members benefit from an exemption that preserves access when they are under 21. FBI field offices benefit from required review of Public Access Line information-sharing procedures.

Who Bears the Burden and How

Licensed firearm dealers must verify age and qualified-individual status before selling covered semiautomatic centerfire rifles or shotguns. Adults under 21 seeking covered long guns lose dealer access unless they are active-duty service members or qualifying armed public employees. FBI Public Access Line staff must support a congressional report on protocols and improvement recommendations within 90 days. Federal firearms compliance staff must update forms, certifications, and enforcement guidance for the new age threshold and definitions.

Key Provisions

• Prohibits licensed dealers from selling covered semiautomatic centerfire rifles or shotguns to people under 21 unless they are qualified individuals.
• Defines qualified individuals as active-duty Armed Forces members and full-time armed government employees.
• Defines ammunition feeding device and excludes certain .22 caliber rimfire tubular devices.
• Updates purchaser certification language for firearms covered by the new age threshold.
• Requires the FBI Director to report within 90 days on Public Access Line information-sharing with field offices and improvement recommendations.