House Judiciary Committee advances multiple weapons bills, including knife-transport measure and concealed-carry reciprocity

The House Judiciary Committee on Friday voted to report a package of weapons-related measures to the full House, advancing legislation on knife transportation, law-enforcement firearm sales, national data reporting for background-check denials, and a national concealed-carry reciprocity bill, among others.

Committee members fronted sharp disagreements over public safety and states' rights during a marathon markup that included multiple recorded roll calls and several adopted amendments. Representative Jordan, the committee chair, led the session; Representative Raskin served as ranking member.

Why it matters: The votes send high-profile, politically charged measures to the House floor, where each bill could face further amendment or rejection. Several bills would change how states regulate firearms or how federal records are used to determine who may buy a gun — topics that intersect public-safety concerns, federalism and court precedents.

Votes at a glance

- HR 60, Knife Owners Protection Act of 2025 — amendment in the nature of a substitute adopted; committee ordered bill reported favorably (recorded vote: 13 ayes, 10 noes). Representative Biggs introduced and led debate in favor; Representative Raskin opposed, calling the bill “confusing and unnecessarily broad.”

- HR 2244, Leosin Reform Act of 2025 (Leoson/Leosa reforms) — amendment in the nature of a substitute adopted; bill ordered to be reported favorably (recorded vote: 13 ayes, 11 noes).

- HR 2240, Improving Law Enforcement Officer Safety and Wellness Through Data Act of 2025 — amendment in the nature of a substitute adopted; bill ordered to be reported favorably (recorded vote: 13 ayes, 11 noes). Members on both sides said they want better data on officer assaults and officer wellness.

- HR 2255, Federal Law Enforcement Officer Service Weapon Purchase Act of 2025 — committee adopted an amendment narrowing some items and ordered the bill to be reported favorably after extensive debate and recorded votes (final committee tally reported in session).

- HR 2267, NICS Data Reporting Act of 2025 — amendment in the nature of a substitute adopted; bill ordered to be reported favorably (recorded vote: 13 ayes, 11 noes). The bill would require reporting on NICS denial and appeals data.

- HR 38, Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act — amendment(s) adopted in committee and the bill was ordered reported favorably to the House (recorded vote on final bill: 18 ayes, 9 noes). The measure was the single most contentious item, with major law-enforcement groups and numerous Democrats urging opposition and Republican sponsors urging passage.

- HR 2184, Firearm Due Process Protection Act — amendment in the nature of a substitute adopted; bill ordered to be reported favorably. The measure would require expedited hearings and reporting for certain NICS-related challenges.

What members said

Representative Biggs, sponsor of HR 60, described the Knife Owners Protection Act as “a common-sense solution to a real-world problem,” arguing the bill would protect travelers who legally possess knives in one state from punishment when they cross state lines so long as certain transport conditions are met.

Representative Raskin, the ranking member, said several bills went “far beyond what’s reasonable,” and repeatedly warned that broad federal preemption could undermine state public-safety standards. On HR 60 he argued the bill’s language could undercut existing federal prohibitions such as the Federal Switchblade Act and the ballistic-knife restrictions and invite litigation.

Representative Fry, sponsor of HR 2255, urged the committee to adopt a measure to allow current and retired federal officers to purchase certain retired service weapons at salvage value to reduce taxpayer waste; Democrats pressed for background checks and limits on resale.

Representative Massey and other members proposed and supported amendments intended to narrow or clarify provisions on which firearms could be sold and to exclude items regulated by the National Firearms Act.

Key details and points of contention

- Scope and preemption: Several Republican sponsors framed bills as protecting rights to transport knives or firearms across state lines. Democrats repeatedly raised concerns that the bills would preempt state safety laws, create a ‘‘lowest common denominator’’ for gun rules, and make it harder for law enforcement to determine who may lawfully carry.

- Background checks and resale: The Federal Law Enforcement Officer Service Weapon Purchase Act (HR 2255) prompted prolonged debate over whether sales to retired officers should require background checks, whether sales should be limited to firearms issued to the purchasing officer, and whether weapons purchased could be resold on the private market. Opponents warned of loopholes that could allow prohibited persons to obtain weapons without checks.

- NICS and denials: Multiple members supported bills (HR 2267 and HR 2184) that seek greater transparency and faster remedies for erroneous NICS denials. During the hearing members cited 2023 figures showing 22,615 NICS-related challenges and 6,263 overturned denials as evidence the appeals process can be lengthy and uneven.

- Concealed-carry reciprocity: HR 38 drew the most sustained and emotional debate. Supporters argued national reciprocity protects traveling citizens’ rights; opponents argued the bill would nullify state policy choices, lower minimum age standards in some states, allow out‑of‑state permittees to carry in gun-free school zones in other states, and increase risks to public safety and to officers.

Next steps

The committee ordered each bill reported favorably to the House with instructions that staff may make technical and conforming changes. Each bill will proceed according to House rules; members have two days to submit views for the committee report.

Ending note

Committee debate illustrated the deep partisan and policy divide over national standards for weapons regulation, the balance of state and federal authority, and how to reconcile individual rights with public‑safety protections. Members on both sides said they would press the bills further on the House floor.