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WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Thomas Massie (R-KY) has reintroduced the Second Amendment for Every Registrable Voter (SAFER) Act, H.R. 1643, which seeks to lower the minimum age for purchasing a handgun from a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) from 21 to 18. The bill, filed in the 119th Congress, aims to align federal law with constitutional principles by allowing legal adults to exercise their Second Amendment rights without restriction based on age.
Bill Overview
The SAFER Voter Act would amend Section 922(b)(1) of Title 18 of the U.S. Code, removing the restriction that prevents individuals under 21 from purchasing a handgun through an FFL. Currently, federal law allows 18-year-olds to vote, serve in the military, and be legally responsible for contracts and other obligations, yet prohibits them from purchasing a handgun from licensed dealers.
Rep. Massie, a strong advocate for gun rights, emphasized the inconsistencies in current federal law, particularly regarding young adults’ ability to defend themselves.
“Why should a 20-year-old mom be denied the right to defend herself?” Massie asked when announcing the bill.
While individuals aged 18-20 can legally own a handgun in most states—acquiring one through private sales or as a gift—federal law restricts them from purchasing one from an FFL. The SAFER Voter Act seeks to remove this limitation.
Legal and Legislative Context
Gun rights advocates argue that the current restriction is unconstitutional and unjustified, as the Second Amendment does not specify age limits. Additionally, multiple court cases have challenged age-based gun laws, with some rulings questioning their constitutionality under the Bruen decision’s precedent.
If passed, H.R. 1643 would provide 18- to 20-year-olds with the same access to legally purchasing handguns from FFLs as those 21 and older. However, individual state laws would still apply, meaning some states could maintain higher age restrictions.
Implications for Self-Defense
The SAFER Voter Act highlights a key issue in self-defense rights—ensuring that all law-abiding adults have equal access to firearms for protection. Young adults, particularly college students, single parents, and those living independently, often face the same risks as older adults but are currently restricted in their ability to legally purchase a handgun.
As this bill moves through the legislative process, it is expected to face opposition from gun control advocates but will likely receive strong support from Second Amendment organizations and conservative lawmakers.
We will continue to track H.R. 1643 and provide updates on its progress in Congress.
