Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act of 2025

Senate Bill

S. 478

119th Congress

Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act of 2025

In Committee

Introduced:Feb 6, 2025

Primary Sponsor

John Kennedy

R - LA

Cosponsors

30

Quick Stats

Policy Area

Armed Forces and National Security

Summary

This bill prohibits the VA from reporting veterans to the NICS background check system solely because they have a fiduciary managing their benefits. Veterans would only be reported if a judicial authority finds them dangerous to themselves or others.

Latest Action

Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held.

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

This bill prohibits the VA from reporting veterans to the NICS background check system solely because they have a fiduciary managing their benefits. Veterans would only be reported if a judicial authority finds them dangerous to themselves or others.

Last updated: 1/5/2026

Official Summary

Congressional Research Service summary

Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act of 2025This bill prohibits the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) from transmitting certain information to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) utilized by licensed importers or dealers of firearms.Specifically, the bill prohibits the VA from transmitting personally identifying information of a veteran or a beneficiary to the NICS solely on the basis that such veteran or beneficiary has an appointed fiduciary to manage their benefits, unless there is an order or finding of a judicial authority that such veteran or beneficiary is a danger to themselves or others.

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

Prohibits VA from reporting veterans to NICS based on fiduciary status
Requires judicial finding of dangerousness for gun restrictions
Protects veterans Second Amendment rights
Stops automatic reporting of veterans with financial help
Separates financial assistance need from gun rights

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

Veterans with appointed fiduciaries for VA benefits would retain their firearm rights unless a court specifically finds them dangerous. This ends the practice of treating financial assistance as evidence of unfitness to own guns.

Policy Areas

Primary Policy Area

Armed Forces and National Security

Related Subjects

Criminal justice information and records

Firearms and explosives

Government information and archives

Veterans' pensions and compensation

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

478, 119th Congress (2025). "Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act of 2025". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-s-478