Garrett’s Law
Classifies certain high-powered air guns as firearms and directs the Attorney General to help manufacturers meet licensing requirements.
In the House Judiciary Committee since Sept. 24, 2026, 11 days after it was introduced. Most bills never leave committee.
- INTRODUCEDINTROSEP 24, 2026
- COMMITTEECOMM.IN COMMITTEE
- HOUSEHOUSE—
- SENATESENATE—
- LAWLAW—
What the bill would do, and why it matters
Federal law’s firearm category determines which federal rules apply to a weapon. Garrett’s Law would classify certain air guns that fire pellets as firearms, using caliber and speed thresholds and allowing the Attorney General to designate other qualifying weapons. It would also provide manufacturers guidance on federal licensing and compliance.
- INTRODUCED ONLY This bill has been introduced and possibly referred to a committee, but it has not passed any vote. Most introduced bills never become law — they die in committee without a hearing.
- DATA NOTE No Congressional Research Service summary was available.
- Classifies qualifying air guns as firearms
The bill would add lethal air guns to the federal definition of a firearm in title 18, chapter 44 of the U.S. Code.
- Defines which air guns qualify
The definition covers air- or gas-powered pellet weapons meeting specified caliber and muzzle-velocity thresholds, metallic pellets above .25 caliber, and weapons the Attorney General designates by rule as capable of causing death. It excludes weapons that exclusively expel paint-filled pellets.
- Directs licensing guidance for manufacturers
The Attorney General would publish guidance to help lethal air gun manufacturers become federal firearms licensees, including help with applications and license requirements such as serialization and recordkeeping.
The bill would bring certain air guns within the federal firearm definition, changing how those products are treated under federal firearms law. Its guidance requirement addresses how manufacturers can apply for licenses and meet requirements that include serialization and recordkeeping.
Written from the bill text.
The path it took, step by step
- IntroducedSEP 24, 2026HOUSESEP 24, 2026By Rep. MullinReferred to Judiciary
- SAME DAYNOWHouse committeeSEP 24, 2026JUDICIARY NOWSEP 24, 2026In committee for 11 daysNo hearing yet
- 11 DAYS SO FARPassed the House—HOUSE FLOOR—Not scheduled
- Senate committee—SENATE—
- Passed the Senate—SENATE FLOOR—Not scheduled
- Resolve differencesONLY IF NEEDEDBOTH CHAMBERSONLY IF NEEDEDSkipped if the other chamber passes the same text
- Signed into law—PRESIDENT—10 days to sign or veto
- SEP 242026SEP 24, 2026REFERREDHOUSEReferred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- SEP 242026SEP 24, 2026INTRODUCEDHOUSEIntroduced in House
At day 11, this bill is already older than 3% of the laws passed this Congress were when they were signed.
Where your members stand on it
Coverage at a glance
Outlets that covered this bill, by their lean.
What readers think
Discussion
Get an alert when it changes stage, gets a floor vote in the House, or is signed into law.