Bill would exempt less-lethal launchers from federal firearm rules
Passed one chamberH.R. 2189Latest action
Sponsor: Scott Fitzgerald · Representative · WI
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: To modernize Federal firearms laws to account for advancements in technology and less-than-lethal weapons, and for other purposes.
119th Congress
Topics: Crime & justice
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
The plain-language version comes first. The official text is always the reference.
HR 2189 would exempt qualifying less-lethal launcher devices from firearm laws, excise taxes, and National Firearms Act rules.
40-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
This bill defines certain "less-than-lethal" launcher devices and exempts them from being legally classified as firearms. Qualifying devices would also avoid the federal firearms excise tax and stricter National Firearms Act regulations. The Attorney General or Treasury Secretary would decide, within 90 days, whether a specific device qualifies, and Treasury would maintain public lists of approved and near-qualifying devices.
Who does it affect?
This affects manufacturers of less-lethal weapons, law enforcement agencies that purchase this equipment, and retailers or buyers who currently pay firearms excise tax on such devices.
Why does it matter?
The change would reduce regulatory and tax burdens on a category of non-lethal equipment currently treated like firearms, potentially affecting how such devices are developed, priced, and sold.
AI-drafted summary. Check it against the official text before you act on it.
Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Where does it stand?
- IntroducedMar 18, 2025
- House committee
- House vote
- SenateYou are here · Feb 24, 2026
- The president's desk
Right now: it passed the House, and the official record shows nothing new since. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Received in the Senate.
Recorded votes
Roll-call votes recorded since January 3, 2025.
House · · Roll call 70
As recorded
- Question
- On Passage
- Result:
- Passed
- 233
- Nay
- 185
- 0
- 13
Republicans 211 yes, 1 no, 5 not voting · Democrats 22 yes, 184 no, 8 not voting
Official recordHow members voted
The official record lists how each member voted.Official record