U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) and U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) have introduced two bills aimed at improving firearm access for tribal citizens and police departments. The Tribal Firearm Access Act seeks to clarify that tribal government-issued identification documents can be used to obtain firearms, aligning their status with federal, state, or local IDs. The Tribal Police Department Parity Act aims to reduce regulatory burdens on tribal police departments when acquiring duty weapons.
“Tribal citizens, and all law-abiding Americans, have a fundamental right to keep and bear arms. For too long, Tribal members have been prohibited from using their government-issued Tribal identification to lawfully obtain firearms. Our commonsense legislation corrects this wrong,” said Senator Mullin. “We’re also boosting support for our Tribal police departments to ensure they don’t have to use vital resources on unnecessary processes. I’m proud to be leading this effort in the Senate and working with my good friend in the House, Congressman Dusty Johnson.”
Representative Johnson highlighted the disparity between accepted forms of identification: “The ability for lawful citizens to exercise their Second Amendment rights shouldn’t exclude someone for being a tribal member. Foreign passports are acceptable forms of identification for firearm purchases, but tribal IDs are not. My Tribal Firearm Access Act would fix that error,” he said. “Additionally, tribal police departments are often severely under resourced yet have to jump through even more hoops to obtain the duty weapons their jobs require. We must do better to support tribal law enforcement – the Tribal Police Department Parity Act will do just that.”
Senator Steve Daines (R-MT) is cosponsoring both bills and stated: “Tribal members and law enforcement should be given the same treatment and access when it comes to purchasing firearms as their non-tribal counterparts. I’m proud to cosponsor these bills so that members of tribal communities and law enforcement agencies are able to provide safety and protection for both themselves and their peers.”
The Tribal Firearm Access Act amends Section 922(d) of Title 18 so that valid identification from tribal governments is treated like other government-issued documents when transferring a firearm.
Currently, according to guidance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), non-cross-deputized tribal police departments face additional requirements compared with state or local agencies regarding tax stamps, interstate transfers, and certain types of firearms.
Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA), who cosponsored the Tribal Police Department Parity Act, said: “Tribal police departments in the United States are often subject to additional burdensome regulations and taxes, which prevent them from having the tools they need to protect their communities. The Tribal Police Department Parity Act would cut through this red tape and ensure tribal law enforcement officers aren’t subject to unnecessary bureaucracy while fulfilling their sworn duties.”
Senator Mullin has emphasized his commitment not only through legislative efforts but also by advocating for Oklahoma’s small businesses, rural development initiatives, parental rights in education, family values, individual liberties including Second Amendment protections (source), as well as supporting Oklahoma’s interests during his tenure in both chambers of Congress (source). He grew up in Westville on his family ranch before entering public service (source).
