Pistol Brace Protection Act

3/13/2024, 2:56 AM

Pistol Brace Protection Act

This bill removes certain brace-equipped firearms from regulation under certain federal firearms laws.

Specifically, under the bill, a pistol that that is equipped with an attachable stabilizing brace (or arm brace) that allows the pistol to be fired with one hand is not a rifle or shotgun subject to regulation (e.g., registration requirements) under the National Firearms Act.

The Pistol Brace Protection Act, also known as Bill 118 s 361, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The bill aims to protect the rights of gun owners who use pistol braces on their firearms.

Pistol braces are accessories that can be attached to pistols to improve stability and accuracy when firing. However, in recent years, there has been controversy surrounding the legality of these accessories. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has issued conflicting rulings on whether pistol braces should be classified as a firearm accessory or a firearm part, leading to confusion among gun owners.

The Pistol Brace Protection Act seeks to clarify the classification of pistol braces and ensure that law-abiding gun owners are not unfairly targeted by the ATF. The bill would prevent the ATF from reclassifying pistol braces as firearms, which would subject them to additional regulations and restrictions. Supporters of the bill argue that pistol braces are a useful tool for individuals with disabilities or limited strength, allowing them to safely and effectively use firearms for self-defense. They believe that reclassifying pistol braces as firearms would unfairly restrict the rights of these individuals. Opponents of the bill argue that pistol braces can effectively turn pistols into short-barreled rifles, which are subject to stricter regulations under the National Firearms Act. They believe that allowing pistol braces to remain unregulated could potentially lead to an increase in gun violence. Overall, the Pistol Brace Protection Act is a contentious piece of legislation that highlights the ongoing debate over gun rights and regulations in the United States. It remains to be seen whether the bill will be passed by Congress and signed into law.
Congress
118

Number
S - 361

Introduced on
2023-02-09

# Amendments
0

Sponsors
+5

Cosponsors
+5

Variations and Revisions

2/9/2023

Status of Legislation

Bill Introduced
Introduced to House
House to Vote
Introduced to Senate
Senate to Vote

Purpose and Summary

Pistol Brace Protection Act

This bill removes certain brace-equipped firearms from regulation under certain federal firearms laws.

Specifically, under the bill, a pistol that that is equipped with an attachable stabilizing brace (or arm brace) that allows the pistol to be fired with one hand is not a rifle or shotgun subject to regulation (e.g., registration requirements) under the National Firearms Act.

The Pistol Brace Protection Act, also known as Bill 118 s 361, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The bill aims to protect the rights of gun owners who use pistol braces on their firearms.

Pistol braces are accessories that can be attached to pistols to improve stability and accuracy when firing. However, in recent years, there has been controversy surrounding the legality of these accessories. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has issued conflicting rulings on whether pistol braces should be classified as a firearm accessory or a firearm part, leading to confusion among gun owners.

The Pistol Brace Protection Act seeks to clarify the classification of pistol braces and ensure that law-abiding gun owners are not unfairly targeted by the ATF. The bill would prevent the ATF from reclassifying pistol braces as firearms, which would subject them to additional regulations and restrictions. Supporters of the bill argue that pistol braces are a useful tool for individuals with disabilities or limited strength, allowing them to safely and effectively use firearms for self-defense. They believe that reclassifying pistol braces as firearms would unfairly restrict the rights of these individuals. Opponents of the bill argue that pistol braces can effectively turn pistols into short-barreled rifles, which are subject to stricter regulations under the National Firearms Act. They believe that allowing pistol braces to remain unregulated could potentially lead to an increase in gun violence. Overall, the Pistol Brace Protection Act is a contentious piece of legislation that highlights the ongoing debate over gun rights and regulations in the United States. It remains to be seen whether the bill will be passed by Congress and signed into law.
Alternative Names
Official Title as IntroducedA bill to amend the National Firearms Act to provide an exception for stabilizing braces, and for other purposes.

Policy Areas
Crime and Law Enforcement

Comments

Recent Activity

Latest Summary8/10/2023

Pistol Brace Protection Act

This bill removes certain brace-equipped firearms from regulation under certain federal firearms laws.

Specifically, under the bill, a pistol that that is equipped with an attachable stabilizing b...


Latest Action2/9/2023
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.