New Bill Exempts Less-Than-Lethal Devices from Federal Firearm Rules, Sets 90-Day AG Review

Alright, let’s talk about something that might sound a bit technical but could actually change how law enforcement operates on the street. We’ve got a new piece of legislation, dubbed the Law-Enforcement Innovate to De-Escalate Act, that’s looking to tweak federal firearm laws. The main goal? To carve out an exemption for certain less-than-lethal projectile devices from the usual federal restrictions that apply to firearms.

The Nitty-Gritty on New Devices

So, what exactly counts as “less-than-lethal” under this bill? It’s not just any paintball gun, folks. The legislation, specifically amending 18 U.S.C. 921(a)(3), lays out some pretty clear lines. For a device to qualify for this exemption, it has to meet a few conditions. First, it can’t be designed to fire—or easily converted to fire—standard handgun, rifle, or shotgun ammo, nor can it launch any projectile faster than 500 feet per second. Think about that for a second: 500 feet per second is still moving, but it’s a far cry from the speeds of typical firearms. Second, it must be designed specifically to be used in a way that isn't likely to cause death or serious bodily injury. This is a key point for de-escalation. Finally, it can’t accept, or be easily modified to accept, ammunition feeding devices that load through a pistol grip or are commonly used in semi-automatic firearms. This last bit is all about preventing these devices from being easily turned into something more dangerous.

Who Decides What’s What?

Here’s where it gets practical for manufacturers and agencies. If someone has a device and wants to know if it fits this new definition, they can ask the Attorney General. The bill mandates that the AG has to make that determination within 90 days of getting the device. This means there’s a clear, albeit time-sensitive, process for getting an official stamp of approval. For a small business owner manufacturing these types of tools, or a police department looking to adopt new tech, having a defined process and timeline can be really helpful for planning and compliance.

What This Means for the Street

In the real world, this bill could mean a few things. For law enforcement, it might make it easier to acquire and deploy specific types of less-than-lethal tools without getting tangled in the same federal regulations that apply to traditional firearms. Imagine an officer responding to a non-violent but escalating situation; having a clearly defined, legally distinct less-than-lethal option could be a game-changer for de-escalation tactics. For citizens, this could translate to more incidents being resolved without resorting to lethal force, which is a win for everyone involved. However, the exact phrasing around what “cannot be easily modified” or “not likely to cause death or serious bodily injury” means could lead to some head-scratching. These are the kinds of details that often get hashed out in practice, and how they’re interpreted will really shape the impact of this bill on the ground.