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The House passed H.R. 2189, a bill that exempts non-lethal 'de-escalation' devices from strict firearm regulations and taxes. The measure passed with strong Republican support and a small group of Democrats.
H.R. 2189, known as the Law-Enforcement Innovate to De-Escalate Act, aims to change how the federal government regulates tools like pepper-ball launchers or other non-lethal projectile devices. Under current law, many of these devices are treated the same as lethal firearms, subjecting them to high taxes and strict registration requirements. This bill creates a specific legal definition for devices designed not to kill or seriously injure, exempting them from those firearm-specific rules and excise taxes. This was a 'vote on passage,' which is the final step for a bill in the House of Representatives. To pass, the bill required a simple majority—meaning more 'yes' votes than 'no' votes. Because the House is the first chamber to pass this specific version of the bill, the measure now moves to the Senate for consideration. The bill passed 233 to 185. While the vote was largely supported by Republicans, 13 Democrats joined them. Supporters argue that making these tools more affordable and less regulated will encourage police departments to use non-lethal options to de-escalate dangerous situations. Critics often raise concerns about the potential for such devices to be misused if oversight is reduced.
The bill has been received in the Senate, where it will likely be referred to a committee before potentially receiving a vote on the Senate floor.
OPEN BILL →Why it matters. This bill could lower the cost and regulatory burden for police departments looking to acquire non-lethal equipment, potentially shifting how encounters are managed.
Who’s affected. Law Enforcement Agencies: Gain easier and cheaper access to a wider variety of non-lethal de-escalation tools. · Manufacturers: See reduced federal taxes and fewer regulatory hurdles for developing non-lethal projectile products.
Democrats. The majority of Democrats (82) voted against the bill, though a notable minority of 13 members supported it.
Republicans. Republicans overwhelmingly supported the measure, with 102 voting in favor and only one voting against it.
On Passage
Feb 12, 2026
The House passed H.R.
2189, a bill that exempts non-lethal 'de-escalation' devices from strict firearm regulations and taxes. The measure passed with strong Republican support and a small group of Democrats.
This was a final vote in the House to approve the bill. Since it passed with a simple majority, the House has finished its work on the measure and sent it to the Senate for their review.
The bill has been received in the Senate, where it will likely be referred to a committee before potentially receiving a vote on the Senate floor.
This bill could lower the cost and regulatory burden for police departments looking to acquire non-lethal equipment, potentially shifting how encounters are managed.
The bill passed with nearly unanimous Republican support and a small group of 13 Democrats, while the majority of the Democratic caucus opposed the measure.
The majority of Democrats (82) voted against the bill, though a notable minority of 13 members supported it.
Republicans overwhelmingly supported the measure, with 102 voting in favor and only one voting against it.
The single independent member participating in the vote chose to support the bill.