# What This Bill Does

This bill makes it easier for people to travel across state lines with guns and ammunition by creating a federal protection that overrides state and local gun transportation laws. Right now, if you're driving from one state to another with a firearm, you could potentially break the law in states you pass through, even if you're just traveling and not planning to use the gun. This bill says that as long as you follow certain safety rules during your trip, you can't be arrested or stopped just for having a gun or ammunition with you while traveling between places where it's legal to own them.

The key safety requirements are straightforward: your gun must be unloaded, and if you're driving, it has to be stored somewhere you can't easily grab it from the driver's seat—either in a locked container in the trunk or locked in a separate compartment. If you're traveling by other means (like flying or taking a train), the gun just needs to be in a locked container. Ammunition has similar rules. The bill also says that stopping for gas, food, sleep, or emergencies while traveling doesn't count as breaking the rules—you're still considered to be "in transit."

The bill adds important protections for people who follow these rules. If a police officer tries to arrest you solely for transporting a gun or ammunition in compliance with this law, the prosecution would have to prove you weren't following the rules. If you win your case in court, the government has to pay your attorney's fees. Additionally, if a state or local official violates your rights under this law, you can sue them for damages and attorney's fees. This essentially gives gun owners a federal legal shield when traveling interstate, preventing them from being prosecuted under conflicting state and local gun transportation laws.

To amend chapter 44 of title 18, United States Code, to more comprehensively address the interstate transportation of firearms or ammunition.

Griffith, H. Morgan

This bill revises criminal provisions related to the interstate transportation of firearms and ammunition. An individual may transport a firearm between two places (e.g., states) where it is legal to possess, carry, or transport the firearm. During transport, the firearm must be unloaded and secured or securely stored. Additionally, an individual may transport ammunition, or a detachable magazine or feeding device, between two places where it is legal to possess, carry, or transport the ammunition, magazine, or feeding device. During transport, the ammunition, magazine, or feeding device must not be loaded into a firearm and must be securely stored. The term transport includes staying in temporary lodging overnight; stopping for food, fuel, vehicle maintenance, an emergency, or medical treatment; and any other activities that are incidental to the transportation. It does not include transportation related to certain crimes. The bill prohibits the arrest or detention of an individual for a state or local firearm or ammunition violation unless there is probable cause to believe the individual failed to comply with the provisions of this bill.