Bill Summary
The "Tribal Police Department Parity Act" is a piece of legislation aimed at ensuring that Tribal law enforcement agencies have equal access to firearms as their Federal, State, and local counterparts. The Act amends Title 18 of the United States Code, specifically addressing the transfer and possession of machine guns and the transportation, shipment, receipt, possession, and importation of firearms and ammunition.
Key provisions include:
1. **Inclusion of Indian Tribes**: The amendments expand the definitions in existing laws to include Indian Tribes and their departments or agencies, thereby allowing them similar rights and responsibilities concerning firearms access.
2. **Tax Provisions**: The Act also modifies the Internal Revenue Code to include Indian Tribes in provisions relating to transfer tax exemptions, ensuring that they are treated on par with States when it comes to firearm transfers.
3. **Effective Date**: The changes will take effect for any firearms transferred or manufactured after the enactment of the Act.
Overall, this legislation seeks to enhance the capabilities of Tribal law enforcement by aligning their access to firearms with that of other law enforcement entities in the United States.
Possible Impacts
The "Tribal Police Department Parity Act" outlined in the provided legislation has several potential impacts on individuals and communities. Here are three examples:
1. **Enhanced Law Enforcement Capabilities**: By allowing Tribal law enforcement agencies to access the same firearms and ammunition that are available to Federal and State law enforcement, this legislation could enhance the safety and effectiveness of Tribal police forces. This may lead to improved crime prevention and response efforts within Tribal communities, ultimately contributing to a safer environment for residents.
2. **Equitable Treatment of Tribal Law Enforcement**: The Act aims to ensure that Tribal law enforcement agencies are treated equally with their State and Federal counterparts regarding access to firearms. This parity can foster a sense of justice and respect for Tribal sovereignty, as Tribal authorities will no longer face restrictions that could hinder their ability to protect their communities. This could lead to increased trust between Tribal members and their law enforcement agencies.
3. **Economic Implications**: The amendments to the Internal Revenue Code, specifically concerning transfer tax exemptions for firearms, could have economic implications for Tribal governments and businesses. By allowing Indian Tribes to benefit from the same tax exemptions as States, this could encourage the establishment of legal firearms businesses within Tribal lands, potentially leading to job creation and increased revenue for Tribal governments. This economic boost could help fund vital community services and development projects.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 7699 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 7699
To ensure that Federal laws that enable Federal, State, and local law
enforcement agencies to access firearms apply equally to Tribal law
enforcement agencies.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
February 25, 2026
Mr. Johnson of South Dakota (for himself and Mr. Bacon) introduced the
following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means,
and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be
subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration
of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee
concerned
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To ensure that Federal laws that enable Federal, State, and local law
enforcement agencies to access firearms apply equally to Tribal law
enforcement agencies.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Tribal Police Department Parity
Act''.
SEC. 2. TRIBAL LAW ENFORCEMENT ACCESS TO FIREARMS.
(a) Amendments to Title 18, United States Code.--
(1) Transfer and possession of post-1986 machineguns.--
Section 922(o)(2)(A) of title 18, United States Code, is
amended--
(A) by striking ``or a State, or'' and inserting
``, a State or''; and
(B) by inserting before ``; or'' the following: ``,
or an Indian Tribe (as defined in section 4 of the
Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act
(25 U.S.C. 5304)) or any department or agency
thereof''.
(2) Transportation, shipment, receipt, possession, and
importation of firearms and ammunition.--Section 925(a)(1) of
such title is amended--
(A) by striking ``or any State'' and inserting ``,
any State''; and
(B) by inserting before the period at the end the
following: ``, or any Indian Tribe (as defined in
section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and
Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304)) or any
department or agency thereof''.
(b) Amendments to Internal Revenue Code of 1986.--
(1) Transfer tax exemption.--Section 5853(a) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by inserting ``,
Indian Tribe (as defined in section 4 of the Indian Self-
Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304))''
after ``any State''.
(2) Making tax exemption.--Section 5853(b) of such Code is
amended by inserting ``, Indian Tribe (as defined in section 4
of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act
(25 U.S.C. 5304))'' after ``any State''.
(3) Effective date.--The amendments made by this subsection
shall apply to any firearm transferred or made after the date
of enactment of this Act.
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