This bill, introduced March 17, 2026, would add a new criminal offense to Title 18 of the U.S. Code. It would make it illegal to knowingly possess or bring a firearm in, or within 100 yards of, an entrance to a place that a person knows or reasonably believes is a Federal election site. The bill sets a penalty of a fine, imprisonment for not more than 1 year, or both for that offense. It lists three exceptions: on-duty law enforcement officers (federal, state, or local) and private security hired by the building owner/manager; a firearm kept inside a vehicle within 100 yards if it is not removed from the vehicle or brandished; and otherwise lawful possession in a residence, place of business, or on private property in or within 100 yards of the site. If a person knowingly possesses a firearm with the intent that it be used in the commission of a crime at a Federal election site, the penalty is increased to up to 5 years in prison. The bill also says that if a person kills someone in the course of a violation or attack involving a firearm at a Federal election site, that person is punished under the existing federal statutes cited in the bill. The bill defines a "Federal election site" as a building where an employee is administering a polling place for a Federal office or is processing or counting ballots cast in such an election. Sponsors include Raul Ruiz, Eleanor Norton, Gabe Amo, and Daniel Goldman. The bill was referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
If this bill becomes law, people could not knowingly carry or bring a firearm into, or within 100 yards of, entrances to Federal election sites, unless they meet one of the listed exceptions. Law enforcement on duty and certain private security would be allowed to have firearms. A firearm stored in a vehicle within 100 yards would be allowed only if it is not taken out or shown. Lawful possession in a residence, business, or on private property within 100 yards would not be covered by the prohibition. The bill sets criminal penalties for violations and higher penalties when there is intent to use a firearm in a crime.
No publicly available information on costs or budgetary effects is included in the bill text or metadata provided.
No publicly available information.
No publicly available information.