Under current federal law, you have to be 21 to buy a handgun from a licensed dealer, but you can buy a semiautomatic rifle at 18. This bill would raise the minimum age to 21 for purchasing or possessing handguns, semiautomatic assault weapons, and high-capacity magazines (those holding more than 10 rounds). The bill defines "semiautomatic assault weapon" very broadly, listing over a hundred specific firearm models by name — including all AR-15 and AK-47 variants — and covering any semiautomatic rifle with a detachable magazine and features like a pistol grip or folding stock. There are exceptions for active military and National Guard members, as well as for farming, ranching, hunting, target practice, and home defense, as long as a parent or guardian provides written consent. If you're 18 to 20 years old and own firearms that would be covered, this bill would significantly change what you can legally buy and carry.
Civil Liberties
- Minimum age for covered firearm purchase — Raised to 21 for handguns, semiautomatic assault weapons, and 10+-round magazines
- Minimum age for covered firearm possession — Raised to 21, beyond purchase restrictions
- Firearm rights for 18-20-year-olds — Curtailed while voting, contracting, and military-service rights begin at 18
- Statutory list of 'semiautomatic assault weapons' — Defines 100+ named models plus feature-based catch-all
Congressional Summary
Age 21 Act This bill raises the minimum age to purchase a large capacity ammunition feeding device or semiautomatic assault weapon from 18 to 21 years of age.
Legislative Subjects
Details
- Congress
- 119th
- Chamber
- Senate
- Status
- summarized
- Action
- Introduced in Senate
- Action Date
- 2025-02-13
- Date Added
- 2026-03-30
- Source
- Congress.gov →
Like reading a bill in plain English?
We're building an app that does this for every bill in Congress and lets you tell your reps how you want them to vote. We're a small team getting ready to launch, and we're trying to show investors that real people want this. Be one of them. Help us get it built. Leave your email and we'll tell you the moment the app is ready.