On July 16, 2026, Representatives Rudy Yakym (R-IN-02) and Pat Fallon (R-TX-04) introduced H.R. 9719, the Federal Lands Lawful Carry Act. This legislation would clarify that law-abiding Americans can carry firearms on federal land and in federal facilities if they are also incompliance with state law.
For years, Americans who visit areas managed by the federal government like National Parks were required to leave their firearms behind when entering buildings such as visitor centers, ranger stations, and even restrooms. This creates a confusing situation that can be difficult to navigate and can lead to visitors unwittingly placing themselves in legal peril.
This legislation would clarify that the Bureau of Land Management, the Bureau of Reclamation, the National Forest System, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the National Park System, the National Wildlife Refuge System, the Tennessee Valley Authority, and the United States Army Corps of Engineers cannot arbitrarily ban firearm possession on land and in facilities that are open to the public.
"When law-abiding Americans are enjoying the natural beauty of our country, they shouldn't have to worry about crossing arbitrary boundaries and losing their God-given right to protect themselves and their families," said John Commerford, Executive Director of NRA-ILA."This legislation would greatly reduce the confusion surrounding the patchwork of where Americans can exercise their Right to Keep and Bear Arms on federally managed land. On behalf of our millions of members and gun owners nationwide, we would like to thank Representatives Yakym and Fallon for their leadership on this important issue.”
Speaking on his legislation, Representative Yakym said, “Hoosiers who can lawfully carry shouldn’t lose that right when they step into a federal park building. This legislation closes a loophole that turns responsible gun owners into accidental criminals and lets park rangers focus on managing our public lands instead of enforcing unnecessary restrictions.”
“Americans’ Second Amendment rights are under assault, and we in Congress must do all we can to ensure that they retain their God given right to bear arms,” said Representative Fallon. “That includes the right to bear arms on Federal lands, including forests, National Parks, and lands held by the USACE. I have written Army Secretary Driscoll in the past requesting that he address this issue, and I am proud to join my colleague, Rep. Yakym on his bill that would codify Americans’ rights to carry on such lands.”
This legislation builds on the NRA’s efforts to ensure that Americans can carry their firearms on public lands. Your NRA will continue to work on this effort and will keep you apprised as it moves on the legislative path.
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