Yakym, Fallon Introduce Bill to End Federal Ban on Firearms in Federal Park Buildings

Resources / Press Share on Yakym, Fallon Introduce Bill to End Federal Ban on Firearms in Federal Park Buildings Jul 16, 2026 Press WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Rudy Yakym (IN-02) and Congressman Pat Fallon (TX-04) introduced the Federal Lands Lawful Carry Act (H.R. 9719) , legislation to end the blanket ban on carrying firearms inside buildings on federal lands. Under current policy, law-abiding visitors must disarm before entering facilities such as visitor centers, ranger stations, and restrooms, even if they are allowed to carry in all other parts of the park. “Hoosiers who can lawfully carry shouldn’t lose that right when they step into a federal park building,” said Rep. Yakym. “This legislation closes a loophole that turns responsible gun owners into accidental criminals and lets park rangers focus on managing our public lands instead of enforcing unnecessary restrictions.” “Americans’ Second Amendment rights are under assault, and we in Congress must do all we can to ensure that they retain their God given right to bear arms,” said Rep. Fallon. “That includes the right to bear arms on Federal lands, including forests, National Parks, and lands held by the USACE. I have written Army Secretary Driscoll in the past requesting that he address this issue, and I am proud to join my colleague, Rep. Yakym on his bill that would codify Americans’ rights to carry on such lands.” The bill is supported by Gun Owners of America (GOA), the National Rifle Association (NRA), and the Second Amendment Foundation (SAF). “When law-abiding Americans are enjoying the natural beauty of our country, they shouldn’t have to worry about crossing arbitrary boundaries and losing their God-given right to protect themselves and their families ,” said John Commerford, Executive Director of NRA-ILA. “This legislation would greatly reduce the confusion surrounding the patchwork of where Americans can exercise their Right to Keep and Bear Arms on federally managed land. On behalf of our millions of members and gun owners nationwide, we would like to thank Representatives Yakym and Fallon for their leadership on this important issue.” “GOA worked with Congress to restore the right to carry firearms in national parks in 2009. However, using the restroom or entering an information center to ask a question remains an unconstitutional ‘crime’ — entering a federal building with a firearm. Outdoorsmen and other public land users cannot be denied the free exercise of their Second Amendment rights on public land,” said Aidan Johnston, Director of Federal Affairs at GOA . “Gun Owners of America is proud to endorse Representatives Rudy Yakym’s and Pat Fallon’s Federal Lands Lawful Carry Act , which would restore the right to bear arms on our public lands and buildings run by the Department of the Interior, Department of War, and Department of Agriculture.” Background: Visitors to most federal lands may currently carry firearms in accordance with the laws of the state where the land is located. However, a blanket federal restriction prohibits carrying firearms inside buildings on that same land, including visitor centers, ranger stations, and restrooms. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) land goes further, banning firearms both on the land itself and within its buildings. The policy is currently being challenged in federal court. Last month, the Second Amendment Foundation and Firearms Policy Coalition, joined by a Texas gun owner, filed suit in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas, contesting the ban on carrying firearms inside National Park Service buildings such as gift shops, bathrooms, and museums. What the Federal Lands Lawful Carry Act Does: Expands Second Amendment Rights Extends constitutional carry to federal park buildings and USACE land in the 29 states that recognize it, including Indiana. Lifts the blanket firearm ban on federal park buildings and USACE land in all other states. Harmonizes firearm regulations between federal park buildings and surrounding federal land. View the full list of agencies HERE. Prevents Incidental Violations Eliminates the need for visitors to navigate conflicting firearm rules within the same area. Allows park rangers to focus on park management rather than enforcing firearm restrictions. Respects States’ Rights Preserves state law authority, including in more restrictive states. Establishes a framework for future alignment as state laws evolve. Read the full bill HERE . ### Share on