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Sporting Firearms Access Act of 2025

USA119th CongressS-89| Senate 
| Updated: 1/14/2025
James E. Risch

James E. Risch

Republican Senator

Idaho

Cosponsors (14)
Rick Scott (Republican)Bill Cassidy (Republican)Roger Marshall (Republican)Markwayne Mullin (Republican)Thomas Tillis (Republican)Cynthia M. Lummis (Republican)Roger F. Wicker (Republican)Tim Sheehy (Republican)David McCormick (Republican)John Cornyn (Republican)Pete Ricketts (Republican)Steve Daines (Republican)Ted Budd (Republican)Mike Crapo (Republican)

Judiciary Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
The "Sporting Firearms Access Act of 2025" aims to reform existing restrictions on the importation of firearms and ammunition into the United States. It specifically amends federal law to broaden the definition of what constitutes a firearm or ammunition "generally recognized as particularly suitable for or readily adaptable to sporting purposes." This expanded definition now explicitly includes items designed for uses such as hunting, recreational target shooting, organized and governed competitions, or civilian rifle match competitions . The bill introduces a strict timeline for the Attorney General's (AG) determination on import requests. The AG must make a decision within 90 days of a request; failure to do so results in the automatic allowance of the importation. If an application is denied, the AG is required to provide a written basis for the denial and publish it on the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives website. A significant provision prohibits the AG from denying the importation of firearms or ammunition that are substantially similar to those already in circulation within the United States. The AG must define "substantially similar" in consultation with various firearms industry representatives, including hunting guides, shooting magazine editors, and trade associations. This definition will also reference existing processes that examine the physical and technical characteristics of firearms. The legislation establishes a robust appeals process for denied import applications. Aggrieved parties can request a prompt administrative hearing, and if the denial is upheld, they may seek de novo judicial review in a U.S. district court. During judicial review, the Attorney General bears the burden of proof to demonstrate that the firearm or ammunition is not suitable for sporting purposes or not substantially similar to those already in circulation. If the court reverses the denial, it can award reasonable attorney fees to the aggrieved party.
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Timeline
Jan 14, 2025
Introduced in Senate
Jan 14, 2025
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
  • January 14, 2025
    Introduced in Senate


  • January 14, 2025
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Crime and Law Enforcement

Administrative remediesEvidence and witnessesFirearms and explosivesHunting and fishingJudicial review and appealsLegal fees and court costs

Sporting Firearms Access Act of 2025

USA119th CongressS-89| Senate 
| Updated: 1/14/2025
The "Sporting Firearms Access Act of 2025" aims to reform existing restrictions on the importation of firearms and ammunition into the United States. It specifically amends federal law to broaden the definition of what constitutes a firearm or ammunition "generally recognized as particularly suitable for or readily adaptable to sporting purposes." This expanded definition now explicitly includes items designed for uses such as hunting, recreational target shooting, organized and governed competitions, or civilian rifle match competitions . The bill introduces a strict timeline for the Attorney General's (AG) determination on import requests. The AG must make a decision within 90 days of a request; failure to do so results in the automatic allowance of the importation. If an application is denied, the AG is required to provide a written basis for the denial and publish it on the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives website. A significant provision prohibits the AG from denying the importation of firearms or ammunition that are substantially similar to those already in circulation within the United States. The AG must define "substantially similar" in consultation with various firearms industry representatives, including hunting guides, shooting magazine editors, and trade associations. This definition will also reference existing processes that examine the physical and technical characteristics of firearms. The legislation establishes a robust appeals process for denied import applications. Aggrieved parties can request a prompt administrative hearing, and if the denial is upheld, they may seek de novo judicial review in a U.S. district court. During judicial review, the Attorney General bears the burden of proof to demonstrate that the firearm or ammunition is not suitable for sporting purposes or not substantially similar to those already in circulation. If the court reverses the denial, it can award reasonable attorney fees to the aggrieved party.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline
Jan 14, 2025
Introduced in Senate
Jan 14, 2025
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
  • January 14, 2025
    Introduced in Senate


  • January 14, 2025
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
James E. Risch

James E. Risch

Republican Senator

Idaho

Cosponsors (14)
Rick Scott (Republican)Bill Cassidy (Republican)Roger Marshall (Republican)Markwayne Mullin (Republican)Thomas Tillis (Republican)Cynthia M. Lummis (Republican)Roger F. Wicker (Republican)Tim Sheehy (Republican)David McCormick (Republican)John Cornyn (Republican)Pete Ricketts (Republican)Steve Daines (Republican)Ted Budd (Republican)Mike Crapo (Republican)

Judiciary Committee

Crime and Law Enforcement

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
Administrative remediesEvidence and witnessesFirearms and explosivesHunting and fishingJudicial review and appealsLegal fees and court costs