Protecting Individual Sovereignty Through Our Laws Act or the PISTOL Act This bill modifies the definition of rifle for purposes of the National Firearms Act to exclude from such definition a pistol equipped with a rear brace or rear attachment designed to assist the shooter in controlling the pistol. The bill also directs the Department of Justice to amend applicable regulations governing pistols to provide that the presence or absence of rear mounted braces or attachments that can assist a user in controlling the pistol shall not cause a firearm to be considered a pistol.
If enacted, the modifications proposed in HB 381 would reshape firearm classification by emphasizing user control mechanisms in defining what constitutes a rifle versus a pistol. The bill directs the Department of Justice to revise existing regulations to ensure that the presence of rear-mounted braces or attachments does not alter the classification of a firearm, thereby potentially impacting both gun manufacturers and consumers. This aligns with a broader movement to preserve individual rights regarding gun ownership and use across the United States.
House Bill 381, known as the Protecting Individual Sovereignty Through Our Laws Act, aims to amend the Internal Revenue Code to update the definition of rifles and pistols under the National Firearms Act. The bill specifically seeks to exclude pistols that are equipped with rear braces or attachments intended to assist the user in controlling the firearm from being classified as rifles. This change is significant as it clarifies the definition and potentially affects how certain firearms are regulated under federal law.
The bill has sparked notable points of contention among lawmakers and advocacy groups. Supporters argue that it strengthens individual rights under the Second Amendment by preventing overreach in firearm classifications that could limit ownership options for responsible gun owners. Conversely, opponents raise concerns that such amendments could erode critical safety regulations designed to manage firearm accessibility and usage, thereby contributing to public safety issues. The implications of this bill are expected to ignite robust debate regarding gun control and regulatory frameworks at both state and federal levels.