Bill · H.R. 8297· House(119-HR-8297)
District of Columbia Firearm Freedom Act
- Introduced
- 4/15/2026
- Last activity
- 4/15/2026 — Referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Sponsored by
- Dan Crenshaw
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The District of Columbia Firearm Freedom Act aims to protect Second Amendment rights for residents and visitors in the District of Columbia. It seeks to modernize firearm laws by eliminating prior restraints on acquiring and possessing firearms. The bill establishes a concealed constitutional carry system and prohibits bans based on firearm features. It also repeals the prohibition on large capacity ammunition feeding devices. Additionally, the act facilitates lawful firearm purchases from licensed dealers in Virginia and Maryland for District residents.
Yes· 3 of 5
Would gun owners be better off under this?+10
Significantly expands the rights of gun owners by removing registration and carry permits.
Does this protect the right to own guns?+10
The bill explicitly aims to restore and protect Second Amendment rights by removing prior restraints on firearm possession.
Does this give the federal government more power?+7
The bill uses Congressional plenary authority to override local DC laws.
The opposite
Does this put more limits on buying or owning guns?-10
The bill removes registration, bans on specific features, and permit requirements for concealed carry.
Does this leave more decisions to the states?-5
It reduces the local governing authority of the District of Columbia.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Elimination of Prior Restraints: Individuals would no longer be required to obtain a license, certificate, or permit before acquiring, receiving, or possessing a firearm that is lawful under Federal law (Section 101(a)).
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Removal of Criminal Liability: People who acquire or possess a lawful firearm without prior District authorization cannot be arrested or prosecuted, provided they are not a prohibited person under Federal law (Section 101(b)).
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Repeal of Registration Requirements: The District can no longer require the registration of privately owned firearms, and existing registration records must be destroyed (Section 102(a) and 102(d)(2)).
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Protection Against Feature-Based Bans: The bill prohibits the District from banning firearms based on characteristics like being semiautomatic, having a detachable magazine, or having specific features like a pistol grip or adjustable stock (Section 201(a)).
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Repeal of Ammunition Device Restrictions: The prohibition on large capacity ammunition feeding devices is repealed (Section 202).
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Concealed Carry Rights: Any person 21 years of age or older who is not a prohibited person can carry a concealed handgun in the District without needing a District-issued license or permit (Section 301(a)).
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Expanded Purchasing Options: District residents can legally purchase firearms from licensed dealers in Virginia and Maryland if they appear in person and comply with Federal background checks (Section 401(a)).
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Legal Recourse: Individuals adversely affected by a violation of this Act can bring a civil action in federal court for relief, including injunctive relief and reasonable attorneys' fees (Section 502(a) and 502(b)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Restrictions on Sensitive Places: Even with the new carry rights, individuals are still prohibited from carrying firearms in specific locations such as secure areas of law enforcement facilities, courthouses, detention facilities, and school zones (Section 301(c)).
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Private Property Restrictions: Private property owners retain the right to prohibit firearms on their property, provided they give notice via a sign or express notice (Section 301(d)).
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Open Carry Limitations: The act does not require the District to permit open carry, and existing laws restricting or prohibiting open carry may remain (Section 301(f)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Increases Federal Power+7Improves Interstate Commerce+5Improves Privacy Rights+5Increase States Rights-5
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Gun Owners+10
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Second Amendment Protections+10Improves Gun Control Measures-10
- 4/15/2026
- Referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Introduced in House