Rep. Kevin Mullin introduces bill to classify air guns as firearms

U.S. Representative Kevin Mullin has introduced HR 10583, known as ‘Garrett’s Law,’ which seeks to redefine certain high-powered air guns as firearms under federal law. If passed, the legislation would subject buyers of specific BB and pellet guns to the same background check requirements currently applied to traditional firearms like 9mm pistols and AR-15s.

The bill was prompted by the death of Mullin’s constituent, Garrett Edwards, who was legally barred from possessing a firearm due to mental health issues but was able to purchase a lethal air gun online without a background check. Mullin described the current lack of regulation as a ‘dangerous gap’ in federal law.

The proposed law would specifically target air guns that produce velocities of 800 feet per second or more in .177 caliber, as well as pellets over .25 caliber. The manufacturer Daisy BB Guns noted that the legislation would affect products such as the Daisy 880 model and expressed concern regarding the potential for future expansion to all air guns.

The measure has received endorsements from gun control advocacy groups, including GIFFORDS and March for Our Lives.