Equal Shot Act of 2025
The Equal Shot Act of 2025 would ensure that the Small Business Administration (SBA) cannot discriminate against an applicant for SBA-financial assistance simply because the applicant is involved in the firearms industry. The bill defines broad categories—firearm entities, firearm entity affiliates, and firearm trade associations—and prohibits the SBA Administrator from adopting policies, guidance, or practices that would exclude those applicants from loans or loan guarantees solely on that basis. The act applies to financial assistance under the Small Business Act and the Small Business Investment Act of 1958. In short, if an otherwise eligible firearms-related business or affiliated organization seeks SBA financing (loan, loan guarantee, etc.), the SBA would be required to treat them no differently than non-firearms applicants, so long as they meet all other eligibility requirements. The bill was introduced in the Senate on July 31, 2025, led by Sen. James Risch with a group of cosponsors.
Key Points
- 1Short title: The act may be cited as the “Equal Shot Act of 2025.”
- 2Broad definitions:
- 3- Firearm entity: includes designers, manufacturers, marketers, distributors, importers, sellers, or any part or accessory related to firearms, ammunition, or firearm-related products (including scopes, grips, magazines, safety devices, range equipment, etc.).
- 4- Firearm entity affiliate: includes sport shooting ranges, gun-safety/instruction providers, and other entities connected to a firearm entity.
- 5- Firearm trade association: organizations that represent firearm entities or firearm entity affiliates.
- 6Prohibition on discrimination: The SBA Administrator may not adopt any policy, guidance, practice, or directive that discriminates against an otherwise eligible applicant solely because they are a firearm entity, firearm entity affiliate, or firearm trade association.
- 7Scope of eligibility: Applies to loans and loan guarantees under the Small Business Act and the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 for eligible applicants.
- 8No exclusive new program: The bill does not create a new SBA program; it ensures nondiscrimination within existing SBA lending and assistance processes.