H.R. 7699 · Where this bill is now
In committee
Introduced in the House, sent to the Committee on Ways and Means, 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, Feb 25, 2026
What this bill does
In plain words · AI-written from the official summaryTribal police firearm access parity
Right now, federal, state, and local police agencies have special access to certain firearms that other groups don't. They can transfer some regulated guns without paying special taxes, receive firearms across state lines, and use certain machine guns that are otherwise restricted. This bill gives tribal law enforcement agencies the same access and exemptions.
How it affects you
Tribal law enforcement officers and the tribes they serve would gain easier access to the firearms and equipment needed for their police work. Most other Americans would see no direct change, though this could strengthen law enforcement capacity in tribal communities.
Read the official summary (Introduced in House, Feb 25, 2026)
Tribal Police Department Parity Act
This bill treats tribal law enforcement agencies in the same manner as federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies for purposes of accessing firearms.
The National Firearms Act (NFA) generally imposes a tax on the transfer of an NFA firearm; however, specified governmental entities (e.g., federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies) are exempt from this transfer tax. This bill extends this exemption to Indian tribes (and consequently, to tribal law enforcement agencies).
The Gun Control Act (GCA) generally prohibits the interstate shipment of firearms to unlicensed persons, but exempts specified governmental entities from this prohibition. This bill makes Indian tribes (and consequently, tribal law enforcement agencies) eligible to receive firearms interstate.
The GCA also prohibits the transfer or possession of machine guns manufactured after 1986, but exempts specified governmental entities from this prohibition. This bill makes Indian tribes (and consequently, tribal law enforcement agencies) eligible to transfer or possess these machine guns.
Written by AI (Claude) using only the official summary by the Congressional Research Service, the Library of Congress’s nonpartisan research staff. It can miss nuance, so check the official summary and the bill text for details.
2nd SessionH. R. 7699
A BILL
Tribal Police Department Parity Act
Sponsor: Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-SD-At Large) · Introduced Feb 25, 2026 · Native Americans · 1 version of the text
Sources: Congress.gov actions and votes · bill text from GovInfo · latest official action Feb 25, 2026: “Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, 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.”