Less Than Lethal Act
Term Dictionary
If you come across any unfamiliar words while reading, these resources can help make everything clearer. Pick whichever one works best for you!
- Congress.gov Legislative Glossary - Comprehensive congressional terms
- NVFC Congressional Terms Glossary - Concise, easy-to-understand definitions
The gist
The Less Than Lethal Act exempts non-lethal projectile devices from federal firearms excise taxes and National Firearms Act (NFA) rules, treating them differently from real guns.
Who wins, who loses
- Wins: manufacturers of pepper ball guns and rubber bullet launchers, consumers buying non-lethal self-defense tools, law enforcement suppliers.
- Loses: gun control advocates worried about loopholes; federal tax revenue from firearm excise taxes shrinks slightly.
What it does
- Defines qualifying devices as those firing projectiles under 500 feet per second and unable to fire standard handgun, rifle, or shotgun ammo.
- Requires the Treasury Secretary to classify submitted devices within 90 days of a manufacturer's request.
- Mandates an annually updated public list of approved devices plus a separate report to Congress on borderline cases.
- Removes qualifying devices from the NFA's definition of a firearm.
Why should I care?
Supporters say current law unfairly taxes self-defense tools designed not to kill, making them pricier and harder to access. Critics warn loosening NFA rules could create loopholes for devices that still injure people seriously. An alternative: keep some federal oversight but cut the excise tax only. Where do you land? Vote below and use "Tell Your Rep" to make sure your voice reaches Congress.