Preventing Pretrial Gun Purchases Act

# Preventing Pretrial Gun Purchases Act - Summary **What It Would Do** This bill would prevent people who have been arrested and are awaiting trial from purchasing firearms. Currently, federal law prohibits gun purchases by convicted felons, but there is no federal restriction for individuals in the pretrial period—between arrest and trial outcome. This bill would close that gap by adding a temporary prohibition on gun purchases for anyone who has been arrested for a felony or certain serious misdemeanors and hasn't yet been through trial. **Who It Affects and Key Provisions** The bill would primarily affect people facing criminal charges who are released before trial. It would create a waiting period during which these individuals cannot legally purchase guns.

The restrictions would presumably remain in place until charges are resolved (either through conviction, acquittal, or dismissal). This is intended to reduce access to weapons during a period when individuals may be at higher risk of harming themselves or others, particularly in cases involving domestic violence or violent crimes. **Current Status** The bill is currently in committee, meaning it has been introduced but has not yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate. No action has been taken on it yet in the 119th Congress.