Representative Mullin Introduced Bill to Regulate Air Guns
The proposed legislation would categorize specific air guns as firearms under existing federal law.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Asthma
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Representative Kevin Mullin introduced HR 10583, known as Garrett's Law, to regulate certain air guns as firearms. The bill seeks to apply federal background check requirements to these devices.
Why it matters
The legislation intends to close a gap that allows individuals prohibited from purchasing traditional firearms to acquire lethal air guns. It would mandate that all sales of these items be processed through federal firearms license holders.
HR 10583 seeks to subject air guns to the Gun Control Act of 1968, which mandates federal background checks and restricts sales to individuals aged 18 and older. This proposal follows a legacy of air gun designs like the .177-caliber Red Ryder model.
The players
Kevin Mullin
He is a U.S. Representative representing California who introduced the new legislation.
Giffords
This is a non-profit organization dedicated to gun violence prevention that endorsed the bill.
March For Our Lives
This is a student-led organization focused on gun control advocacy that supports the proposed law.
The details
Under Garrett's Law, certain air guns would be reclassified as firearms, requiring compliance with the same regulatory framework currently governing standard weapon sales. The legislation has received official endorsements from Giffords and March For Our Lives.
Timeline
The Gun Control Act of 1968 established the federal framework for firearm sales.
The film A Christmas Story was released in 1983.
Representative Kevin Mullin introduced HR 10583 on September 24, 2026.
The Big Picture
This legislation builds upon the regulatory structure defined by the Gun Control Act of 1968. It follows a pattern of legislative efforts to modernize firearm definitions in response to evolving concerns over weapon lethality.
If enacted, the bill would require purchasers of qualifying air guns to undergo background checks and meet the minimum age requirement of 18. This would effectively move these items from general retail availability to a more regulated sales process.
The takeaway
The proposed change would significantly alter the procurement process for air-powered devices that are currently widely available. Consumers who rely on these items for sport or recreation should monitor how the bill defines the specific thresholds for regulated hardware.
Further reading
Learn more about federal health and safety oversight in the Asthma section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Conservative News Today.
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