Bill · S. 89· Senate(119-S-89)
Sporting Firearms Access Act of 2025
- Introduced
- 1/14/2025
- Last activity
- 1/14/2025 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- Sponsored by
- James Risch
- Cosponsors
- - 14 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill is known as the Sporting Firearms Access Act of 2025. It reforms the restrictions on importing firearms and ammunition into the United States. The bill sets a 90-day deadline for the Attorney General to make a determination on importing items for sporting purposes. If no decision is made by the deadline, the importation is deemed allowed. It also prohibits the denial of firearms or ammunition that are substantially similar to those already in circulation in the United States. Additionally, it provides processes for written denials, hearings, and judicial review.
Yes· 3 of 7
Would gun owners be better off under this?+5
The legislation explicitly benefits gun owners and participants in target shooting and hunting by protecting access to sporting firearms and ammunition.
Does this protect the right to own guns?+5
The legislation enhances protections and access related to sporting firearms and ammunition imports.
Does this protect the right to fair treatment by the courts?+4
The bill strengthens due process by providing clear rights to hearings, de novo judicial review, and the placement of the burden of proof on the government.
The opposite
Does this give the federal government more power?-2
The bill imposes strict statutory deadlines and judicial review burdens on federal executive agencies like the ATF.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Section 2(a) adds a clear definition of what is considered generally recognized as particularly suitable for or readily adaptable to sporting purposes, which includes hunting, recreational target shooting, organized and governed competitions, and civilian rifle match competitions. This benefits individuals and groups participating in these activities by explicitly protecting their access to necessary equipment.
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Section 2(a) establishes a strict 90-day deadline for the Attorney General to make a determination on importation requests, and explicitly states that the importation is deemed allowed if the deadline is missed. This benefits importers by preventing bureaucratic delays.
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Section 2(a) prohibits the Attorney General from denying the importation of any firearm or ammunition that is substantially similar to items already in circulation in the United States. This ensures fairness and consistency for people trying to import standard items.
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Section 2(a) provides rights to an aggrieved party to request a prompt hearing and file a petition for judicial review in a United States district court if an application is denied. This holds the government accountable and gives citizens a clear path to challenge decisions.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
Based on the provided text, there are no explicitly stated negative consequences or burdens for individuals or groups of people in the United States.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Gun Owners+5Good For Business Owners+2Good For Rural Residents+2
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Due Process+4Improves Government Transparency+3Increases Federal Power-2
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Second Amendment Protections+5
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Small Business Support+2
- 11/20/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 1/15/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 1/14/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- 12 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
Ted BuddRepublican · North Carolina
Mike CrapoRepublican · Idaho
John CornynRepublican · Texas
Bill CassidyRepublican · Louisiana
Steve DainesRepublican · Montana
Cynthia LummisRepublican · Wyoming
Markwayne MullinRepublican · Oklahoma
Roger MarshallRepublican · Kansas
David McCormickRepublican · Pennsylvania
Pete RickettsRepublican · Nebraska
Rick ScottRepublican · Florida
Tim SheehyRepublican · Montana
Thomas TillisRepublican · North Carolina
Roger WickerRepublican · Mississippi