This bill, titled the Protecting Kids from Gun Marketing Act, mandates the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to promulgate rules within one year of enactment. These rules will prohibit manufacturers, dealers, importers, or their agents from marketing or advertising firearms and firearm-related products to individuals under 18 years of age. The prohibition specifically targets marketing that is designed, intended, or reasonably appears to be attractive to a minor. To determine if marketing is attractive to minors, the FTC must consider various factors. These include the use of cartoon characters, caricatures, or memes appealing to minors, or offering brand merchandise like toys or clothing that promotes firearms. The bill also targets products with features or designs specifically for minors, images of minors using firearms, or marketing primarily aimed at a minor audience. Additionally, offering firearms as gifts to minors or implying government endorsement through military contracts would be prohibited. The legislation establishes multiple avenues for enforcement. Violations of the FTC's rules will be treated as unfair or deceptive acts or practices under the Federal Trade Commission Act, allowing the FTC to enforce them. State Attorneys General are also empowered to bring civil actions on behalf of their residents to enjoin such practices, seek damages, or other relief, with provisions for notifying and allowing FTC intervention. Furthermore, the bill creates a private right of action , enabling individuals to sue for violations and seek compensatory or punitive damages, attorney's fees, and other appropriate relief.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Commerce
Protecting Kids from Gun Marketing Act
USA119th CongressS-2154| Senate
| Updated: 6/24/2025
This bill, titled the Protecting Kids from Gun Marketing Act, mandates the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to promulgate rules within one year of enactment. These rules will prohibit manufacturers, dealers, importers, or their agents from marketing or advertising firearms and firearm-related products to individuals under 18 years of age. The prohibition specifically targets marketing that is designed, intended, or reasonably appears to be attractive to a minor. To determine if marketing is attractive to minors, the FTC must consider various factors. These include the use of cartoon characters, caricatures, or memes appealing to minors, or offering brand merchandise like toys or clothing that promotes firearms. The bill also targets products with features or designs specifically for minors, images of minors using firearms, or marketing primarily aimed at a minor audience. Additionally, offering firearms as gifts to minors or implying government endorsement through military contracts would be prohibited. The legislation establishes multiple avenues for enforcement. Violations of the FTC's rules will be treated as unfair or deceptive acts or practices under the Federal Trade Commission Act, allowing the FTC to enforce them. State Attorneys General are also empowered to bring civil actions on behalf of their residents to enjoin such practices, seek damages, or other relief, with provisions for notifying and allowing FTC intervention. Furthermore, the bill creates a private right of action , enabling individuals to sue for violations and seek compensatory or punitive damages, attorney's fees, and other appropriate relief.