H.R. 8297: District of Columbia Firearm Freedom Act

The District of Columbia Firearm Freedom Act (H.R. 8297) aims to change the laws governing firearm ownership and carry in the District of Columbia (D.C.). The bill includes several key provisions:

Removal of Prior Approval for Firearm Ownership

• It prohibits D.C. laws from requiring individuals to obtain licenses, registrations, or permits before acquiring or possessing a firearm that is legal under federal law.
• It also ensures no criminal penalties for individuals who acquire or possess firearms without prior D.C. authorization, provided they are not prohibited persons under federal law.

Repeal of Firearm Registration

• The bill would eliminate the requirement for any registration of privately owned firearms in D.C. All related provisions of D.C. law would be repealed, ensuring that lawful possession is not contingent upon registration.
• It mandates the destruction of existing firearm registration records within 180 days, barring those needed for ongoing criminal prosecutions or required under federal law.

Preemption of Feature-Based Firearm Bans

• D.C. would be prohibited from making laws that ban firearms based on features like being semi-automatic or having detachable magazines. Laws that classify firearms based on non-functional attributes would also be invalidated.
• This section includes the repeal of prior regulations restricting large-capacity ammunition feeding devices.

Concealed Carry Without a Permit

• Individuals aged 21 or older, who are not prohibited persons, would be allowed to carry concealed handguns in D.C. without needing a D.C.-issued permit.
• There would be no requirements for prior training, fingerprinting, or other prerequisites to carry concealed within the District.
• However, the District may still impose restrictions on concealed carry in certain sensitive locations, such as law enforcement facilities and courthouses.

Facilitating Firearm Purchases from Neighboring States

• The bill would allow residents of D.C. to purchase firearms from federally licensed dealers in Virginia and Maryland under certain conditions, treating them as in-state buyers. This means that as long as the purchase complies with federal laws, D.C. residents could acquire firearms more easily.

General Provisions

• The bill asserts that any D.C. regulations contrary to the provisions of this Act would be void and unenforceable.
• Individuals harmed by violations of this Act would have the right to seek civil action in federal court for relief.
• The Act would take effect 60 days after becoming law.

Relevant Companies

• SGMS - Scientific Games Corp may see changes related to their operations involving firearms or security solutions.
• RGR - Sturm, Ruger & Company, a firearms manufacturer, could see increased sales and market activity due to relaxed restrictions.
• AOBC - American Outdoor Brands, which includes firearm and ammunition products, may experience increased demand from D.C. residents and visitors.