To modernize Federal firearms laws to account for advancements in technology and less-than-lethal weapons, and for other purposes.
Latest Action
Received in the Senate.
Official Summary
Law-Enforcement Innovate to De-Escalate Act This bill removes less-than-lethal projectile devices (e.g., certain TASERs) from regulation under the Gun Control Act. The term less-than-lethal projectile device means a device that (1) is not designed or intended to expel (and may not be readily converted to discharge) commonly used ammunition or projectiles exceeding a velocity of 500 feet per second; (2) is designed and intended to be used in a manner not likely to cause death or serious bodily injury; and (3) does not accept (and cannot be readily modified to accept) an ammunition feeding device. The bill also requires the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to determine whether a device satisfies the definition of a less-than-lethal projectile device within 90 days of a request.
GovScope Watchdog™
AI Government Intelligence™The Law-Enforcement Innovate to De-Escalate Act proposes to update federal firearms regulations by excluding certain less-than-lethal projectile devices, such as specific TASER models, from the Gun Control Act. It defines these devices based on their velocity, intended use to avoid serious injury or death, and design features that prevent them from firing traditional ammunition or accepting ammunition feeding devices. The bill also mandates that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) must make a determination within 90 days when requested whether a device meets the criteria of a less-than-lethal projectile device.
This bill seeks to modernize federal firearms laws by removing certain less-than-lethal weapons from regulation under the Gun Control Act and requires timely ATF determinations on device classifications.
- Excludes less-than-lethal projectile devices from regulation under the Gun Control Act.
- Defines less-than-lethal projectile devices by velocity limits, intended use, and design restrictions.
- Requires the ATF to determine device classification within 90 days of a request.
['Manufacturers and sellers of less-than-lethal projectile devices such as certain TASERs', 'Law enforcement agencies utilizing less-than-lethal weapons', 'Consumers and users of less-than-lethal projectile devices']
['The definition of less-than-lethal projectile devices may require precise technical assessments, potentially complicating enforcement.', 'Mandating ATF determinations within 90 days could impose administrative burdens or resource constraints on the agency.', 'Removing these devices from Gun Control Act regulation may raise questions about oversight and public safety implications.']
The bill is part of ongoing legislative efforts to update firearms laws to reflect technological advancements and evolving law enforcement tools. It currently resides in the Senate after originating in the House during the 119th Congress and addresses policy areas related to crime and law enforcement.
Hidden impact flags detected: 2
GovScope reviewed 2 policy-risk categories. Hover for a quick definition. Click detected flags for bill-specific details.
['Potential increase in production and use of less-than-lethal projectile devices due to regulatory relief.', 'Possible shifts in law enforcement tactics favoring less-than-lethal options.', 'Changes in ATF workload and resource allocation due to new classification responsibilities.']
The bill's removal of certain devices from federal firearms regulation and the mandated ATF classification timeline highlight key areas for oversight, particularly regarding how definitions are applied and how the ATF manages increased administrative duties. Transparency in classification decisions and resource impacts on the ATF will be important to monitor.
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