H.R. 9979

119 HR 9979 IH: Freedom to Ship Act
 U.S. House of Representatives
 2026-07-30
 text/xml
 EN
 Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.
 I  119th CONGRESS  2d Session  H. R. 9979  IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES   July 30, 2026   Ms. Boebert  (for herself,  Mrs. Biggs of South Carolina ,  Mr. Cloud , and  Mr. Higgins of Louisiana ) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the  Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure , and in addition to the Committee on  the Judiciary , for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned   A BILL
To prohibit discrimination against firearms shippers or transporters by common carriers and contract carriers, and for other purposes.
1.
Short title
This Act may be cited as the   Freedom to Ship Act  .
2.
Discrimination against firearms shippers or transporters prohibited
(a)
In general
 Chapter 149  of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
14917.
Interference with lawful transportation of arms
(a)
Violation relating to interference with the lawful transportation of arms
A motor carrier shall not interfere with the lawful transportation of firearms, ammunition, or component parts of a firearm or ammunition from a place in a State, the District of Columbia, or a territory or possession of the United States through or to a place in another State, the District of Columbia, or a territory or possession, including by knowingly—
(1)
declining to transport firearms, ammunition, or component parts of a firearm or ammunition that are lawfully possessed by the shipper and can lawfully be transported by the motor carrier;
(2)
imposing conditions on the transportation of firearms, ammunition, or component parts of a firearm or ammunition that are not required by section 922 of title 18, United States Code, and have the effect of restricting the ability of a person in lawful possession of such a product to transfer or dispose of the same to another person in a manner not prohibited by law;
(3)
charging more for the transportation of firearms, ammunition, or component parts of a firearm or ammunition than the motor carrier charges for the transportation of other objects of a similar size, weight, and hazard class;
(4)
requiring the consent of a shipper or consignee to the disclosure of information protected under section 14908 of this chapter as a condition of agreeing to transport firearms, ammunition, or component parts of a firearm or ammunition; or
(5)
engaging in any other like conduct which has the effect of interfering with the ability of a person to direct the shipment of firearms, ammunition, or component parts of a firearm or ammunition to another person in furtherance of a lawful transfer or disposition.
(b)
Civil penalties and private cause of action
Any person who knowingly violates or authorizes, consents to, or permits, directly or indirectly, either alone or in conjunction with any other person, a violation of subsection (a) is liable—
(1)
to the United States Government for a civil penalty in the amount of $10,000 for each violation; and
(2)
to a shipper or consignee who has been harmed by such violation for all compensatory and consequential damages suffered by such shipper or consignee.
(c)
Actions of agents and employees
When acting in the scope of their employment, the actions and omissions of persons acting for or employed by a motor carrier that is subject to this section are considered to be the actions and omissions of such motor carrier as well as such person.
(d)
Definitions
In this section:
(1)
Ammunition
The term  ammunition  has the meaning given such term in section 921(a)(17)(A) of title 18.
(2)
Component Parts of Firearm or Ammunition
The term  component part of firearm or ammunition  means a component part of, or an accessory intended for use with, a firearm or ammunition, including ammunition magazines or clips, optical devices, or other products intended to be included in, attached to, or used while attached to, or in conjunction with, a firearm or ammunition.
(3)
Firearms
The term  firearm  has the meaning given such term in subparagraph (A), (B), or (C) of section 921(a)(3) of title 18, including any antique firearm (as such term is defined in section 921(a)(16) of such title).
 .
(b)
Clerical amendment
The analysis for  chapter 14917  of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
14917. Interference with lawful transportation of arms.
  .
(c)
Repeal
Section 1715 of  chapter 83  of title 18, United States Code (and the item relating to such section in the analysis of such chapter), is repealed.