Armed Forces Carry Rights Protection Act of 2026
To amend the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016 to establish a rebuttable presumption in favor of authorizing a member of the Armed Forces to carry a personal firearm on a military installation.
HB8680, also known as the Armed Forces Carry Rights Protection Act of 2026, proposes to change current law by establishing a rebuttable presumption that members of the Armed Forces should be allowed to carry personal firearms on military installations. This means that unless there is a strong reason to deny, members of the Armed Forces would generally be allowed to carry their firearms on these bases.
This bill would primarily affect active duty military personnel, their families, and base personnel. By allowing service members to carry their personal firearms, the bill aims to enhance their ability to protect themselves and others. However, it also brings up questions about safety, security protocols, and the overall environment on military installations.
As of May 7, 2026, HB8680 has just been introduced and referred to the House Committee on Armed Services. This is the first step in a long process that will involve committee review, potential amendments, and voting. It is currently in its early stages, and much work remains before it could become law.
