HR5066-119

What This Bill Does

The Safe Students Act repeals the federal Gun-Free School Zones Act framework. It strikes 18 U.S.C. 922(q), removes related definitions in section 921, revises section 924 penalties to remove school-zone references, and repeals the 1990 Act notes. The practical effect is to remove the federal offense that generally bars firearm possession in or near school zones, leaving firearm restrictions around schools primarily to state law and other federal provisions. Gun-rights supporters and lawful firearm carriers gain fewer federal restrictions, while schools, students, and local safety officials lose a federal enforcement layer.

Who Benefits and How

Lawful firearm carriers benefit because a federal school-zone possession offense would be removed. Gun-rights organizations benefit from repeal of a federal restriction they view as overbroad or unconstitutional. State firearm policymakers benefit because school-zone firearm regulation would rely more heavily on state law. Criminal defendants charged under school-zone provisions benefit from repeal of the federal offense going forward.

Who Bears the Burden and How

Students and school staff bear safety risk if fewer federal restrictions apply to firearms near schools. School security officials must rely more heavily on state law, local policy, and other safety tools. Federal prosecutors lose a specific school-zone firearm charge. Local law enforcement agencies may face more responsibility for school-zone firearm enforcement.

Key Provisions

• Repeals 18 U.S.C. 922(q), the federal gun-free school zone offense.
• Repeals the Gun-Free School Zones Act of 1990.
• Modifies related firearm definitions and penalty cross-references.
• Reduces federal firearm restrictions around school zones.
• Leaves remaining school-zone firearm regulation largely to state law and other federal provisions.