What does Preamble of District of Columbia Firearm Freedom Act do?

This bill, formally titled 'To restore and protect the Second Amendment rights of residents and United States citizens who visit the District of Columbia,' aims to modernize the District of Columbia's firearm laws. The bill seeks to eliminate prior restraints on firearm acquisition and possession. It proposes establishing concealed constitutional carry within the District of Columbia. The legislation intends to prohibit feature-based firearm bans. The bill aims to facilitate lawful firearm purchases through Federally licensed dealers in neighboring States.

What does SHORT TITLE. of District of Columbia Firearm Freedom Act do?

This bill is formally titled the District of Columbia Firearm Freedom Act.

What does FINDINGS. of District of Columbia Firearm Freedom Act do?

This section outlines findings related to the District of Columbia and Second Amendment rights. It asserts that Congress has constitutional authority over the District of Columbia. The text states that the Second Amendment protects an individual's right to keep and bear arms, and the District must comply. It finds that visitors and residents of the District should not have their Second Amendment rights infringed. The section identifies the District's regulatory structure as imposing undue burdens on legal gun owners.

What does DEFINITIONS. of District of Columbia Firearm Freedom Act do?

This section defines terms used within the Act. “District” is defined as the District of Columbia. “Firearm” is defined by reference to section 921(a)(3) of title 18, United States Code. “Licensee” refers to a person licensed under section 923 of title 18, United States Code (a Federal firearms licensee). “Prohibited person” means any person prohibited from receiving or possessing firearms under Federal law, including section 922(g) of title 18, United States Code.

What does PROHIBITION ON PRIOR RESTRAINTS FOR ACQUISITION OR of District of Columbia Firearm Freedom Act do?

This section prohibits the District of Columbia from requiring licenses, certificates, or other authorizations before a person acquires, receives, possesses, or brings a firearm into the District, provided the firearm is lawful under federal law. The District cannot impose criminal penalties solely for acquiring a firearm without prior District authorization, as long as the person is not prohibited from owning firearms under federal law.

What does REPEAL OF DISTRICT FIREARM REGISTRATION SYSTEM; CONFORMING of District of Columbia Firearm Freedom Act do?

This section repeals the District's firearm registration system. It preempts District provisions related to firearm registration, including those concerning possession, transport, and sale. The District is prohibited from establishing alternative registration schemes. The collection of firearm registration applications is prohibited, and existing records must be destroyed within 180 days of the Act's effective date. Firearm registration records cannot be used as a basis for probable cause or adverse action. This section clarifies that it does not alter existing Federal background check or prohibited person requirements.

What does PREEMPTION OF FEATURE-BASED AND ASSAULT WEAPON BANS. of District of Columbia Firearm Freedom Act do?

This section preempts District of Columbia laws that prohibit firearm possession based on features like being semiautomatic or having a detachable magazine. The District of Columbia may not prohibit firearms based on appearance, ergonomics, or other nonfunctional attributes, including pistol grips, adjustable stocks, or muzzle devices. Federal law prohibitions on firearms, including those regulated under the National Firearms Act, remain in effect. Any District of Columbia definition or prohibition of 'assault weapons' inconsistent with this section is preempted.

What does REPEAL OF PROHIBITION ON LARGE CAPACITY AMMUNITION FEEDING of District of Columbia Firearm Freedom Act do?

This section repeals sections 601(b) and 601(c) of the Firearms Control Regulations Act of 1975. The repeal concerns a prohibition on large capacity ammunition feeding devices.

What does CONCEALED CONSTITUTIONAL CARRY. of District of Columbia Firearm Freedom Act do?

This section establishes a process for concealed carry of handguns in the District. Individuals 21 years of age or older who are not prohibited from owning firearms under federal law may carry a concealed handgun without a District-issued license or permit. The District cannot require prerequisites like training, fingerprinting, or a 'good cause' determination for concealed carry. The District can prohibit concealed carry in specific locations consistent with the Constitution and federal law, such as law enforcement facilities, courthouses, and schools. Private property owners retain the right to restrict or prohibit firearms on their property, provided they give notice. The District may optionally issue carry credentials for reciprocity with other jurisdictions, but such credentials are not required for concealed carry within the District. This section does not require the District to permit open carry and preserves existing District laws regarding open carry to the extent they are consistent with the Constitution.

What does AUTHORITY FOR LICENSEES IN VIRGINIA AND MARYLAND TO TRANSFER of District of Columbia Firearm Freedom Act do?

This section amends Section 922(b)(3) of title 18, United States Code to allow licensed firearms dealers in Virginia and Maryland to sell or deliver firearms to District of Columbia residents. The transfer is permitted if the transferee appears in person, complies with Section 922(t) (including a NICS background check), is not a prohibited person, and the sale would be lawful if the transferee were a resident of the state where the dealer is located. The District of Columbia is not treated as a 'State' for imposing additional restrictions. This section does not alter federal prohibitions on firearm possession by prohibited persons or federal requirements applicable to licensees. The Attorney General must update implementing guidance within 60 days of enactment to ensure NICS and licensee compliance.

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District of Columbia Firearm Freedom Act

Last updated: 4/15/2026 · Introduced: 4/15/2026

Author: Dan Crenshaw (R-TX)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill prohibits the District of Columbia from requiring licenses or authorizations before a person acquires, receives, or possesses a firearm, provided they are not prohibited from owning firearms under federal law.
The bill repeals the District of Columbia's firearm registration system and prohibits the District from establishing alternative registration schemes.
It establishes a process allowing individuals 21 or older who are not prohibited from owning firearms under federal law to carry a concealed handgun in the District without a license or permit, while allowing the District to restrict concealed carry in specific locations.
The bill preempts District of Columbia laws that prohibit firearm possession based on features like being semiautomatic or having a detachable magazine, and repeals prohibitions on large-capacity ammunition feeding devices.
This legislation allows licensed firearms dealers in Virginia and Maryland to sell or deliver firearms to District of Columbia residents, provided they comply with federal law and background check requirements.

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