Freedom to Ship Act
Latest action (30 Jul 2026): Introduced
What this bill does
H.R. 9979, the "Freedom to Ship Act," would bar motor carriers—common and contract carriers regulated under federal transportation law—from interfering with the lawful interstate shipment of firearms, ammunition, or firearm/ammunition component parts. Specifically, carriers could not refuse to transport such items when lawfully possessed and legally transportable, impose extra conditions beyond those required by federal firearms law, charge higher rates than for comparable goods of similar size, weight, or hazard class, require shippers to waive certain information protections, or otherwise interfere with lawful transfers. Violations would carry a $10,000 federal civil penalty per violation and would create a private right of action allowing harmed shippers or consignees to recover damages. The bill also repeals an existing U.S. Code provision (18 U.S.C. 1715) related to mailing firearms.
The bill primarily affects freight and shipping companies, which would face new compliance obligations and potential liability, as well as individuals or businesses shipping firearms, ammunition, or related parts, who would gain legal protections against carrier refusal or discriminatory treatment.
The bill was introduced on July 30, 2026, by Rep. Lauren Boebert and referred to the House Committees on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Judiciary. It has not yet received committee action, a vote, or further congressional consideration.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
This bill is in the first stage of the legislative process. It was introduced into Congress on July 30, 2026. It will typically be considered by committee next before it is possibly sent on to the House or Senate as a whole.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 9979 do?
- H.R. 9979, the "Freedom to Ship Act," would bar motor carriers—common and contract carriers regulated under federal transportation law—from interfering with the lawful interstate shipment of firearms, ammunition, or firearm/ammunition component parts. Specifically, carriers could not refuse to transport such items when lawfully possessed and legally transportable, impose extra conditions beyond those required by federal firearms law, charge higher rates than for comparable goods of similar size, weight, or hazard class, require shippers to waive certain information protections, or otherwise interfere with lawful transfers. Violations would carry a $10,000 federal civil penalty per violation and would create a private right of action allowing harmed shippers or consignees to recover damages. The bill also repeals an existing U.S. Code provision (18 U.S.C. 1715) related to mailing firearms. The bill primarily affects freight and shipping companies, which would face new compliance obligations and potential liability, as well as individuals or businesses shipping firearms, ammunition, or related parts, who would gain legal protections against carrier refusal or discriminatory treatment. The bill was introduced on July 30, 2026, by Rep. Lauren Boebert and referred to the House Committees on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Judiciary. It has not yet received committee action, a vote, or further congressional consideration.
- Has H.R. 9979 become law?
- Not yet. As of 30 Jul 2026, H.R. 9979 is introduced.
- Who sponsored H.R. 9979?
- H.R. 9979 was sponsored by Rep. Lauren Boebert [R-CO4] (Republican-CO), with 3 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 9979?
- Introduced (30 Jul 2026).
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