Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB705

Introduced
2/1/23  
Refer
2/1/23  

Caption

Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act

Impact

If enacted, this bill would significantly alter the landscape of gun ownership rights for veterans by limiting the ability of the Veterans Affairs department to communicate potentially restrictive information regarding veterans’ mental health or risk factors to the DOJ. Advocates for the bill argue that it protects the constitutional rights of veterans from being unduly influenced by bureaucratic processes, reinforcing their right to own firearms. Additionally, this bill aligns with growing sentiments in some political circles that seek to limit the government’s role in personal rights related to firearm ownership.

Summary

House Bill 705, titled the 'Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act', aims to amend Title 38 of the United States Code by prohibiting the Secretary of Veterans Affairs from transmitting certain information to the Department of Justice (DOJ) for use in the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). Specifically, the bill ensures that personally identifiable information of veterans receiving benefits cannot be shared solely on the basis of a fiduciary determination without a judicial order that deems the beneficiary a danger to themselves or others. This proposal reflects a legislative attempt to bolster Second Amendment rights for veterans against perceived governmental overreach.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 705 appears to be predominantly favorable among proponents of gun rights, particularly those advocating for veterans' issues. Supporters believe the bill is a necessary safeguard for ensuring veterans are not unjustly precluded from exercising their Second Amendment rights. However, there are critical voices that express concern over the potential risks of restricting the flow of relevant information to background checks, particularly in relation to public safety and mental health considerations. This reflects a division among stakeholders about the balance between rights and safety.

Contention

Notable points of contention focus on the implications of the bill for both veterans' rights and community safety. Critics argue that limiting information shared with the DOJ could prevent necessary interventions for veterans who may be experiencing severe mental health crises, thus posing risks not only to themselves but also to public safety. On the other hand, proponents contend that the bill provides essential protections against government overreach, arguing that legal safeguards are already in place to manage situations where individuals may genuinely pose a risk. This ongoing debate is emblematic of larger national discussions surrounding gun rights and mental health.

Companion Bills

US SB1875

Same As Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act of 2023

Previously Filed As

US SB1875

Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act of 2023

US HB1041

Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act

US SB478

Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act of 2025

US HB5286

Defending Veterans’ Second Amendment Rights Act

US HB496

Veterans 2nd Amendment Restoration Act of 2025

US HB962

Defending Veterans’ Second Amendment Rights Act

US HB9053

Veterans 2nd Amendment Restoration Act of 2024

US HB4472

First Amendment Protection Act Don't Weaponize the IRS Act

US HB768

Extreme Risk Protection Order Expansion Act of 2023

US HB3956

Veterans Protection from Fraud Act

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.