U.S. Rep. Kevin Mullin Introduces 'Garrett's Law' to Mandate Background Checks for Airgun Purchases
U.S. Rep. Kevin Mullin (D-CA-15) has introduced federal legislation, titled 'Garrett’s Law,' which proposes that airgun purchases require background checks and that regulatory oversight of these devices be transferred to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The bill was introduced following the suicide of one of Mullin’s constituents, Garrett Edwards, who reportedly struggled with mental health issues. Gun prohibition lobbying groups have expressed support for the legislation, characterizing it as a common-sense safety reform. However, the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms (CCRKBA) has strongly opposed the measure, arguing that airguns should not be classified under federal firearm statutes. CCRKBA Executive Director Andrew Gottlieb stated that the bill is an overreaction and a 'publicity stunt' that targets law-abiding citizens and mischaracterizes airguns, which are not firearms.