The Age 21 Act would raise the federal minimum age to buy (and in most cases possess) certain firearms and related ammunition to 21. Specifically, it would prohibit individuals under 21 from purchasing or possessing covered firearms, large-capacity ammunition feeding devices, and ammunition suitable only for use in handguns or semiautomatic assault weapons. The bill also expands the definitions of semiautomatic firearms (pistols, shotguns, and certain rifles) and sets out what counts as a “large capacity” magazine (more than 10 rounds, with limited exceptions). It adds a range of exemptions for temporary transfers (e.g., for employment, ranching/farming, hunting, or safe transfer with parental consent), for members of the armed forces in certain circumstances, and for inheritance or self-defense in the home. In short, the bill is designed to make it much harder for people under 21 to purchase or possess the firearms and related accessories that are most commonly restricted under current law, with a detailed framework for enforcement and limited exceptions.
Key Points
- 1Prohibition on purchases and certain possessions by under-21s
- 2- The bill makes it illegal for individuals under 21 to purchase or possess covered firearms, large-capacity magazines, or ammunition suitable only for use in handguns or semiautomatic assault weapons.
- 3Expanded definitions of firearms and related components
- 4- It adds detailed definitions for semiautomatic pistols, semiautomatic shotguns, semiautomatic assault weapons, large-capacity feeding devices, barrel shrouds, detachable/fixed magazines, stocks, forward grips, and other features that would classify a weapon or accessory as a “covered firearm” or “covered ammunition.”
- 5Covered firearms and ammunition
- 6- “Covered firearm” can include handguns, semiautomatic assault weapons, a large-capacity magazine, or ammunition designed for use only in a handgun or SAW. “Covered ammunition” means ammo for use in a handgun or semiautomatic assault weapon.
- 7Provisions and exemptions
- 8- While generally prohibiting under-21 purchases and possession, the bill provides limited exceptions for:
- 9- Temporary transfers under specified conditions (employment, ranching/farming activities, hunting, safe and lawful use, with parental consent, transportation with certain safeguards, and compliance with state/local law).
- 10- Members of the U.S. Armed Forces or National Guard in the line of duty.
- 11- Inheritance transfers of title (not possession) to someone under 21.
- 12- Possession in defense of a person or others against an intruder where the firearm is in a residence.
- 13Enforcement and penalties (procedural changes)
- 14- The bill would modify relevant sections of Chapter 44 (and related sections) to enforce the age-based restrictions, including how large-capacity magazines and covered ammunition are handled when the purchaser or possessor is under 21, and would update related penalty provisions accordingly.