Age 21 Act

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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Votes

No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.

Related Bills

No related bills have been identified yet.