hold on there's just too much going on in Congress lmao...
Directs FTC to study and regulate deceptive firearm ads.
Sen. Blumenthal (D-CT) plus 10 cosponsors.
Introduced in Senate, referred to Commerce Committee.
The bill orders the Federal Trade Commission to study whether gun ads target minors or encourage illegal use, especially for semiautomatic assault weapons. After the study, the FTC must write rules to ban such deceptive marketing. It was introduced by Senator Blumenthal, a Democrat from Connecticut, and has been sent to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. No hearings or votes have occurred yet.
Introduced Feb 12, 2026
This bill is under review by a committee. The committee holds hearings, gathers testimony from experts and stakeholders, and may propose amendments. If the committee votes to advance it, the bill moves to the full chamber for debate and a vote.
The FTC would first study the problem, then write rules. Those rules could stop companies from using cartoons, influencers, or youth-friendly imagery to sell guns. Ads that imply you should use a gun illegally would also be targeted. Enforcement would work like other FTC consumer protection rules: companies could be fined or ordered to stop. The bill specifically covers manufacturers, dealers, and importers, but not all retailers.
Supporters Say
Supporters say it protects children and prevents illegal gun use by stopping manipulative ads.
Critics Say
Critics argue it infringes on free speech and could ban lawful gun advertising based on subjective standards.
Supporters, including the bill's 11 Democratic senators, point to studies showing youth exposure to gun ads correlates with interest in firearms. The NRA and some Republicans may argue that the FTC rulemaking could be used to restrict ads for certain types of guns, like semiautomatic rifles, even if they are legal. They also worry about vague terms like 'appeal to individuals younger than 18' leading to overreach.