H.R. 2189: Law-Enforcement Innovate to De-Escalate Act
Sponsor
Scott Fitzgerald
Republican · WI-5
Bill Progress
Latest Action · Feb 24, 2026
Passed the House, received in Senate
Why it matters
Policymakers want police to rely less on deadly weapons and adapt to new technology.
The Law-Enforcement Innovate to De-Escalate Act (HR 2189) would overhaul how federal law treats new policing tools — like less-than-lethal projectile devices — aiming to reduce officers’ reliance on guns in high-stress encounters. The bipartisan bill wants to remove federal restrictions on certain non-lethal weapons, hoping this encourages police departments nationwide to adopt them.
Supporters say giving police more effective, modern non-lethal gear can lower fatal encounters and improve community trust. The bill also updates definitions in federal law, clarifying what types of weapons count as 'firearms' vs. 'less-than-lethal.' Lawmakers from both parties see an opportunity to reduce injury for both police and the people they interact with.
The push comes amid public demand for more accountability and safer policing, especially after recent high-profile incidents involving use of force. Law enforcement groups are divided: Some welcome easier adoption of new tools, while others worry about unclear legal and training standards. The bill is moving with wide bipartisan support, suggesting Congress wants progress on police reform even if bigger changes stall.
What does H.R. 2189 do?
Removes restrictions on less-lethal projectile devices
Takes certain non-lethal weapons (like modern beanbag launchers or stun rounds) out of federal firearm regulations, making them easier for police to acquire and use.
Updates definition of 'firearm'
Clarifies which police gear is legally considered a gun versus a non-lethal device, so new technology is treated properly under the law.
Promotes adoption of safer policing tools
Encourages law enforcement agencies nationwide to invest in and use cutting-edge tools that reduce the need for deadly force.
Reduces liability barriers for less-lethal tools
Limits the legal risk for agencies that use approved non-lethal devices according to best practices.
Calls for periodic review
Requires the federal government to revisit which devices are classified as less-lethal, to keep up with new technology.
Who benefits from H.R. 2189?
Local police departments
Gain easier access to modern, less-lethal equipment without jumping through as many legal hoops.
Civilians interacting with police
Face a lower risk of being shot with a deadly weapon during tense law enforcement encounters.
Cities and municipalities
Could see fewer legal settlements from police shootings and foster safer community relations.
Tech companies making policing gear
Benefit from clearer rules that could boost sales of approved non-lethal technologies.
Who is affected by H.R. 2189?
Law enforcement officers
Might need new training on using less-lethal devices and face guidelines on when to use deadly force.
Police oversight boards
Will need to monitor adoption and use of these new tools, potentially updating use-of-force policies.
Advocacy groups focused on police accountability
Gain a foothold to push for more transparency around when and how force is used.
State and local lawmakers
May update their own definitions and policies to match new federal standards.
H.R. 2189 Common Questions
What speed limit does HR 2189 set for less-than-lethal projectile devices?
Under the Law-Enforcement Innovate to De-Escalate Act (SEC. 102), a qualifying device cannot discharge a projectile over 500 feet per second. The tax definition uses the same 500 fps threshold in SEC. 202.
How long would the Attorney General have to classify a less-than-lethal device under HR 2189?
According to H.R. 2189 SEC. 102, the Attorney General must decide within 90 days after receiving the device for review.
Does HR 2189 remove the federal firearms excise tax from less-than-lethal launchers and their shells?
Yes. Under the Innovate Less Lethal to De-Escalate Tax Modernization Act (SEC. 202), the section 4181 tax would not apply to qualifying less-than-lethal devices and certain shells or cartridges designed for them.
Can a device still qualify under HR 2189 if it uses a magazine in the pistol grip or a semiautomatic firearm magazine?
No. Under the Law-Enforcement Innovate to De-Escalate Act (SEC. 102), a qualifying device cannot accept a feeding device loaded through a pistol grip or one commonly used in semiautomatic firearms.
Does HR 2189 take less-than-lethal projectile devices out of the National Firearms Act?
Yes. According to H.R. 2189 SEC. 203, qualifying less-than-lethal projectile devices and certain listed devices are excluded from the National Firearms Act definition in section 5845(a).
Can manufacturers or importers ask for a tax classification ruling on a less-than-lethal device under HR 2189?
Yes. Under H.R. 2189 SEC. 202, a manufacturer, producer, or importer may request a determination, and the Secretary must respond within 90 days of receiving the request.
Does HR 2189 require a public annual list of approved less-than-lethal devices?
Yes. Under the Innovate Less Lethal to De-Escalate Tax Modernization Act (SEC. 202), the Secretary must publish a public list of qualifying devices and update it annually for new technology.
When would the tax exemption in HR 2189 start applying to less-than-lethal devices?
According to H.R. 2189 SEC. 202, the tax changes generally apply to articles sold by the manufacturer, producer, or importer after the bill is enacted.
Based on H.R. 2189 bill text
HR2189 Legislative Journey
Sent to Senate
Feb 24, 2026
Received in the Senate.
House: Passed 233-185
Feb 12, 2026
On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 233 - 185 (Roll no. 70). (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR H2190-2191)
+6 more actions this day
House: Committee Action
Feb 11, 2026
Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 1057 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of S. 1383, H.R. 2189, H.R. 261 and H.R. 3617. The resolution provides for consideration of S. 1383, H.R. 2189, H.R. 261, and H.R. 3617 under a closed rule and provides for one motion to recommit H.R. 2189, H.R. 261, and H.R. 3617, and one motion to commit S. 1383.
House: Committee Action
Feb 9, 2026
Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 1042 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 2189, H.R. 261 and H.R. 3617. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 2189, H.R. 261, and H.R. 3617 under a closed rule and provides for one hour of debate and one motion to recommit on each bill.
House: Committee Action
Jan 30, 2026
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Judiciary. H. Rept. 119-472.
House: Vote: 18-8
Nov 20, 2025
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 18 - 8.
House: Committee Action
Nov 18, 2025
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
House: Committee Action
Mar 18, 2025
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
About the Sponsor
Scott Fitzgerald
Republican, Wisconsin's 5th congressional district · 5 years in Congress
Committees: the Judiciary, Financial Services
View full profile →
Cosponsors (95)
This bill has 95 cosponsors: 23 Democrats, 72 Republicans, reflecting bipartisan support. Cosponsors represent 35 states: Alaska, Alabama, Arizona, and 32 more.
J. Correa
Democrat · CA
Pete Stauber
Republican · MN
Jasmine Crockett
Democrat · TX
Troy Nehls
Republican · TX
Marc Veasey
Democrat · TX
Donald Davis
Democrat · NC
Ben Cline
Republican · VA
Andy Biggs
Republican · AZ
John Rutherford
Republican · FL
Marie Perez
Democrat · WA
Lauren Boebert
Republican · CO
Wesley Hunt
Republican · TX
Committee Sponsors
Judiciary Committee
20 of 44 committee members cosponsored
7 Republicans across this committee haven't cosponsored yet. Mobilize their constituents
What laws does H.R. 2189 change?
1 changes
Sections Amended
Section 5845(a) of Internal Revenue Code of 1986
striking ``an antique firearm or'' and inserting ``any antique firearm, any less-than-lethal projectile device (as defined in section 4182(d)(2)), any device referred to in section 4182(d)(1)(B), or''
H.R. 2189 Quick Facts
- Committee
- Judiciary
- Chamber
- House
- Policy
- Crime and Law Enforcement
- Introduced
- Mar 18, 2025
Passed the House, received in Senate
Feb 24, 2026
Constituent Resources
Official Sources
The Gun Control Act definitions that HR 2189 amends to exclude less-than-lethal projectile devices from the federal definition of 'firearm'.
The 10-11% manufacturers excise tax on firearms and ammunition that HR 2189 exempts qualifying less-than-lethal devices from.
The tax exemptions section that HR 2189 expands with a new subsection (d) specifically for less-than-lethal projectile devices.
The NFA 'firearm' definition in section 5845(a) that HR 2189 amends to exclude less-than-lethal projectile devices.
ATF regulatory definitions for National Firearms Act terms including 'destructive device' and 'firearm' — the regulatory framework HR 2189 modifies.
The committee that marked up and reported HR 2189 (amended) with an 18-8 vote before House passage.
Rules Committee hearing materials, amendments, and floor procedure documents for the bill's House consideration.
H.R. 2189 Bill Text
“To modernize Federal firearms laws to account for advancements in technology and less-than-lethal weapons, and for other purposes.”
Source: U.S. Government Publishing Office
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