H.R. 629House115th Congress (2017-2019)In Committee

Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act

Introduced January 24, 2017

AI-Generated Summary

Updated April 15, 2026 at 11:54 AM UTC

The Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act would change how veterans who are mentally incapacitated are treated under federal gun laws. It says a veteran who is mentally incapacitated, deemed incompetent, or has an extended loss of consciousness cannot be automatically labeled a "mental defective" for gun‑ownership restrictions unless a judge finds they pose a danger to themselves or others. This aims to protect veterans’ right to possess firearms unless a court determines they are a risk.

Key Provisions

  • Adds a new Section 5511 to Chapter 55 of Title 38, stating that a veteran who is mentally incapacitated, deemed incompetent, or experiencing extended loss of consciousness is not considered adjudicated as a mental defective under 18 U.S.C. § 922(d)(4) or (g)(4) without a judicial order finding they are a danger.
  • Updates the table of sections in Chapter 55 to list the new Section 5511.

Legislative Activity

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2 earlier actions
HouseCommittee Latest Action

Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.

February 3, 2017

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HouseIntro Referral

Introduced in House

January 24, 2017

HouseIntro Referral

Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

January 24, 2017

HouseCommittee

Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.

February 3, 2017

Bill Text

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Introduced in HouseIssued January 24, 2017

I

115th CONGRESS

1st Session

H. R. 629

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

January 24, 2017

Mr. Conaway (for himself and Mr. Wenstrup) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs

A BILL

To amend title 38, United States Code, to clarify the conditions under which certain persons may be treated as adjudicated mentally incompetent for certain purposes.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act.

2.

Conditions for treatment of certain persons as adjudicated mentally incompetent for certain purposes

(a)

In general

Chapter 55 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:

5511.

Conditions for treatment of certain persons as adjudicated mentally incompetent for certain purposes

In any case arising out of the administration by the Secretary of laws and benefits under this title, a person who is mentally incapacitated, deemed mentally incompetent, or experiencing an extended loss of consciousness shall not be considered adjudicated as a mental defective under subsection (d)(4) or (g)(4) of section 922 of title 18 without the order or finding of a judge, magistrate, or other judicial authority of competent jurisdiction that such person is a danger to himself or herself or others.

.

(b)

Clerical amendment

The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 55 of such title is amended by adding at the end the following new item:

.