Congress·In Committee·S. 597

Sen. Padilla Introduces Age 21 Act to Ban Assault Weapon Sales to Young Adults

Age 21 Act

about 1 year ago·View on Congress.gov

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Key Points

The Age 21 Act would raise the minimum age to purchase or possess handguns, semiautomatic assault weapons, and large capacity ammunition feeding devices from 18 to 21 years old, making it a federal crime for anyone under 21 to buy or own these firearms.
From policy text
“To amend title 18, United States Code, to prohibit the purchase of certain firearms by individuals under 21 years of age, and for other purposes.”
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The bill defines "semiautomatic assault weapon" broadly, covering rifles, pistols, and shotguns with specific military-style features like pistol grips, folding stocks, threaded barrels, and detachable magazines. It also names hundreds of specific firearm models by brand and type, including all AR-15 and AK-47 variants.
From policy text
“The term `semiautomatic assault weapon' means any of the following, regardless of country of manufacture or caliber of ammunition accepted:”
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A "large capacity ammunition feeding device" — any magazine, belt, drum, or similar device holding more than 10 rounds — would also be banned for purchase or possession by anyone under 21.
From policy text
“means a magazine, belt, drum, feed strip, or similar device, including any such device joined or coupled with another in any manner, that has an overall capacity of, or that can be readily restored, changed, or converted to accept, more than 10 rounds of ammunition”
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Young adults under 21 could still temporarily use covered firearms for employment, ranching, farming, target practice, hunting, or safety courses — but only with prior written consent from a parent or guardian and in accordance with state and local law.
From policy text
“the covered firearm or covered ammunition is possessed and used by the person in the course of employment, in the course of ranching or farming related to activities at the residence of the person (or on property used for ranching or farming at which the person, with the permission of the property owner or lessee, is performing activities related to the operation of the farm or ranch), target practice, hunting, or a course of instruction in the safe and lawful use of a covered firearm”
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Members of the Armed Forces and National Guard under 21 are exempt when possessing or armed with covered firearms in the line of duty. People under 21 can also use covered firearms in self-defense against a home intruder.
From policy text
“a person who is less than 21 years of age who is a member of the Armed Forces of the United States or the National Guard who possesses or is armed with a covered firearm or covered ammunition in the line of duty”
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The bill was introduced by Sen. Padilla with 18 Democratic co-sponsors and referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee. Given the current political landscape, it faces steep odds of advancing.

Gun PolicyCriminal Justice

Impact Analysis

Personal Impact

Who is affectedScoreImpactCertaintyScopeDurationSentiment

Scores: 1 = low, 5 = highSentiment: -5 to +5 (net benefit)

Milestones

2 milestones2 actions

Feb 13, 2025Senate

Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Feb 13, 2025

Introduced in Senate

Related News

4 articles

Sun Community News·about 1 year ago

Gillibrand joins coalition sponsoring Age 21 Act

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced legislation to raise the minimum age to purchase assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines from 18 to 21. The Age 21 Act would apply to both federally licensed and private sellers and bar most individuals under 21 from possessing these items.

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WNBF News Radio·about 1 year ago

New Legislation Proposed To Raise Minimum Age For Buying Assault Weapons

Legislation was announced by U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand to raise the minimum age to purchase assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines from 18 to 21. The Age 21 Act offers a critical safeguard to prevent tragedies, decreasing the threat of gun violence against kids.

JURIST·about 3 years ago

Biden asks US Congress to ban assault weapons and raise minimum age to purchase

Another bill was introduced known as the Age 21 Act, which would raise the minimum age to purchase assault weapons to 21. The current age for buying an assault weapon in the US is 18. The bill was introduced alongside the Assault Weapons Ban of 2023.