SAFER Voter Act Second Amendment For Every Registrable Voter Act
Impact
If passed, this bill would amend existing federal laws that currently impose a 21-year age restriction on handgun purchases. By lowering this age, it may alter the landscape of gun ownership rights in the United States, potentially increasing the availability of handguns for younger adults. This change could prompt shifts in market practices among Federal firearms licensees, who would need to adjust their compliance protocols to reflect the new age requirements for handgun sales.
Summary
House Bill 6782, known as the SAFER Voter Act or the Second Amendment For Every Registrable Voter Act, proposes to lower the minimum age for obtaining a handgun from a Federal firearms licensee from 21 to 18 years old. This bill reflects a movement towards advocating gun rights for younger individuals, aligning with certain interpretations of the Second Amendment. Lawmakers supporting this bill argue that if individuals are considered mature enough to vote and serve in the military at 18, they should also have the right to purchase handguns.
Contention
The proposal has sparked significant debate among legislators and the public. Supporters position the bill as a restoration of rights for young adults and a necessary measure for Second Amendment freedoms. In contrast, critics express concerns over the possible implications for public safety, suggesting that younger individuals may not have the necessary maturity to handle firearms responsibly. Furthermore, existing fears regarding gun violence and the protection of communities play a crucial role in this debate, making the bill a contentious topic within legislative discussions.