Senate BillS 137Firearms and explosivesPublic contracts and procurement
FIND Act
INTRO JAN 16· LAST ACTION JAN 16
READING
5MIN
COSPONSORS
31
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8
Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed Senate
Passed House
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-written
This bill matters because it seeks to address concerns that businesses involved in the firearm and ammunition industries are sometimes unfairly denied services, such as banking or insurance, due to policies not based on objective financial risk. If this bill passes, companies that want to secure federal contracts would be required to ensure their policies toward firearm and ammunition businesses are free from what the bill defines as 'discrimination.' This could mean that more financial institutions and service providers would be willing to work with gun-related businesses, potentially easing their operational challenges.
Conversely, if the bill does not become law, companies that contract with the federal government would retain their full discretion to establish their own policies regarding clients in the firearm and ammunition sectors, without the added federal requirement to avoid 'discrimination' as defined by this act. This bill touches on the debate over the rights of legal industries versus the autonomy of private businesses to set their own standards.
KEY PROVISIONS
4AI-extracted
PROVISION 01
Prohibits executive agencies from entering into contracts with entities that discriminate against firearm entities or trade associations.
This aims to prevent federal funds from going to companies that have policies considered biased against the firearm and ammunition industries.
PROVISION 02
Requires prime contractors to certify they do not discriminate against firearm entities and to ensure major first-tier subcontractors (over 10% of contract value) also make this certification.
This extends the non-discrimination requirement throughout the supply chain for federal contracts, ensuring compliance beyond just the primary contractor.
PROVISION 03
Defines 'discriminate' as making judgments based on partial criteria or category-based assessment, or refusing services for reasons other than legitimate credit history, financial risk, or legal non-compliance.
This provides a specific legal standard for what constitutes prohibited discrimination, allowing for objective business decisions while aiming to prevent subjective bias.
PROVISION 04
Establishes that violating the non-discrimination clause in a contract will result in termination of the prime contract for default and initiation of debarment proceedings against the contractor.
This creates strong consequences for non-compliance, aiming to ensure contractors adhere to the bill's requirements.
This bill matters because it seeks to address concerns that businesses involved in the firearm and ammunition industries are sometimes unfairly denied services, such as banking or insurance, due to policies not based on objective financial risk. If this bill passes, companies that want to secure federal contracts would be required to ensure their policies toward firearm and ammunition businesses are free from what the bill defines as 'discrimination.' This could mean that more financial institutions and service providers would be willing to work with gun-related businesses, potentially easing their operational challenges.
Conversely, if the bill does not become law, companies that contract with the federal government would retain their full discretion to establish their own policies regarding clients in the firearm and ammunition sectors, without the added federal requirement to avoid 'discrimination' as defined by this act. This bill touches on the debate over the rights of legal industries versus the autonomy of private businesses to set their own standards.
KEY PROVISIONS
AI-extracted
high
Prohibits executive agencies from entering into contracts with entities that discriminate against firearm entities or trade associations.
This aims to prevent federal funds from going to companies that have policies considered biased against the firearm and ammunition industries.
high
Requires prime contractors to certify they do not discriminate against firearm entities and to ensure major first-tier subcontractors (over 10% of contract value) also make this certification.
This extends the non-discrimination requirement throughout the supply chain for federal contracts, ensuring compliance beyond just the primary contractor.
high
Defines 'discriminate' as making judgments based on partial criteria or category-based assessment, or refusing services for reasons other than legitimate credit history, financial risk, or legal non-compliance.
This provides a specific legal standard for what constitutes prohibited discrimination, allowing for objective business decisions while aiming to prevent subjective bias.
med
Establishes that violating the non-discrimination clause in a contract will result in termination of the prime contract for default and initiation of debarment proceedings against the contractor.
This creates strong consequences for non-compliance, aiming to ensure contractors adhere to the bill's requirements.
Termination for default of the prime contract; initiation of a suspension or debarment proceeding for the contractor.
Prime contractor
GLOSSARY
AI-written
Executive agency
A part of the federal government responsible for carrying out laws, such as a department or independent agency.
Procurement
The process by which the government buys goods or services from companies.
Prime contractor
The main company that signs a contract directly with the federal government to provide goods or services.
Subcontractor
A company that performs part of the work for the prime contractor, rather than directly for the government.
Sole-source contract
A contract awarded to a single supplier without competition because only that supplier can provide the necessary goods or services.
Debarment
A formal action that excludes a company or individual from doing business with the federal government for a specific period due to misconduct.
Discriminate (as defined by this bill)
To unfairly treat a firearm business by making decisions based on bias or categories instead of facts, denying services for non-financial reasons, or limiting operations beyond what law requires.
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTS
JAN 16, 25
Introduced in Senate
INTROREFERRAL
JAN 16, 25
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
