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Bill

HR 9979

To prohibit discrimination against firearms shippers or transporters by common carriers and contract carriers, and for other purposes.

119th Congress Introduced by Sheri Biggs and 3 co-sponsors

HR 9979 would bar common and contract carriers from discriminating against shipments containing firearms or ammunition, ensuring access to transport.

Introduced in House
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 9979

Bill Summary: HR 9979 (119th Congress)

Purpose and intent

  • HR 9979 seeks to prohibit discrimination against firearms shippers or transporters by common carriers (e.g., airlines, railroads, trucking firms) and contract carriers.
  • The bill targets practices by transportation entities that would treat firearm shippers differently or deny service, with the aim of ensuring access to transportation for lawful firearm shipments.

Key provisions and changes (highlights)

  • Prohibition on discrimination: The core provision would bar common carriers and contract carriers from denying, restricting, or otherwise discriminating against customers or shipments based on the fact that the shipment contains firearms or related ammunition.
  • Coverage: Applies to entities that transport goods for hire (common carriers) and those hired to transport goods under contract (contract carriers). The exact scope (e.g., definition of firearms, ammunition, shipments, and carrier types) would be defined within the bill.
  • Enforcement and remedies: While not fully specified in the summary, typical provisions in similar bills would include:
    • Civil rights-style protections against discriminatory practices.
    • Private right of action or a pathway to file complaints with a relevant federal agency.
    • Potential civil penalties or injunctive relief for violations.
  • Non-duplication with existing statutes: The bill would be designed to complement federal firearms laws by focusing on nondiscrimination in transportation, rather than firearms possession or use.

Who would be affected

  • Firearms shippers and recipients: Individuals or businesses shipping firearms or ammunition by carriers that would be prohibited from discriminatory practices.
  • Common carriers (airlines, trucking, rail, shipping lines) and contract carriers: Transportation providers that would be required to treat firearm shipments without bias or exclusion.
  • Potentially ancillary businesses: Freight brokers, logistics providers, and other entities involved in arranging transportation for firearm shipments, if they act in a way that implicates carrier discrimination rules.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction and referral: The bill was introduced in the House and referred on 2026-07-30 to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and to the Committee on the Judiciary, for consideration of provisions within their jurisdiction.
  • Committee process: The committees would review for jurisdiction and substance, potentially holding hearings, amendments, and reporting the bill back to the floor.
  • Next steps: If reported, the bill would proceed to floor consideration, debate, and potential amendments before a full House vote. If passed, it would move to the Senate, where similar action would be required to become law, followed by potential reconciliation.

Sponsors

  • Co-sponsors: Sheri Biggs, Michael Cloud, Clay Higgins, Lauren Boebert.

Notes

  • The summary reflects the bill’s stated objective to prevent discriminatory treatment of firearm shipments by carriers, addressing a niche of civil rights and commerce law. Specific definitional details (e.g., what constitutes discrimination, carrier-specific rules, and enforcement mechanisms) would be clarified in the text of the bill and any amendments during committee and floor debates.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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