# Plain Language Summary: Disarming Felons Act

This bill would prevent people from owning guns if they committed a serious crime as a teenager. Specifically, it targets anyone who, between the ages of 15 and 17, committed a crime that would have been a felony (a major crime like robbery, assault, or drug trafficking) if they had been an adult. Once someone reaches adulthood, they would be permanently banned from possessing or receiving firearms under federal law.

The practical effect is straightforward: gun dealers would be prohibited from selling firearms to anyone with this kind of juvenile record, and these individuals would face federal penalties if they tried to own a gun. This applies even if the person was tried in juvenile court rather than adult court, as long as the offense would have qualified as a felony had they been an adult at the time. The ban would be permanent and would apply nationwide, since it modifies federal firearms law.

The bill's supporters argue this keeps guns away from people with a demonstrated history of serious criminal behavior, while critics might raise concerns about whether it's fair to permanently restrict gun rights based on crimes committed as a minor, or whether rehabilitation should play a role in such decisions. Either way, the impact would be significant for young people convicted of serious crimes, as it would create a lifelong barrier to gun ownership once they become adults.

Disarming Felons Act

Van Duyne, Beth

Disarming Felons Act This bill extends federal restrictions on the receipt, possession, shipment, and transportation of firearms and ammunition to a new category of persons: persons who while 15, 16, or 17 years of age commit an act of juvenile delinquency that would have been a felony if committed by an adult.