Protect Every Preschooler Act of 2026

Bill Number

H.R. 9205

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 2

Policy Area

Crime and Law Enforcement

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2026-06-23: Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H4134)

Last Updated

2026-07-10T08:05:50Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose This legislation aims to broaden the existing Gun Free School Zones Act by extending firearm prohibitions to additional early education settings, enhancing protections for young children in preschool and early childhood programs.

Key Provisions

• Amends the definition of "school" under 18 U.S.C. § 921(a)(27).
• Adds two new categories to the definition:
• Early childhood education programs, as defined in section 103 of the Higher Education Act of 1965.
• Preschools, as defined under the term "eligible preschool program" in section 428K(g) of the Higher Education Act of 1965.
• The changes maintain the core structure of the Gun Free School Zones Act while expanding its geographic and institutional reach.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Previously limited to traditional K-12 schools, the Act's restrictions on possessing or discharging firearms within 1,000 feet of school grounds now apply to preschools and early childhood education facilities.
• This represents an expansion of the statutory definition without altering penalties or enforcement mechanisms.

Potential Impacts

• Government agencies: Increases responsibilities for federal, state, and local law enforcement in monitoring and enforcing gun-free zones around additional facilities.
• Citizens: Restricts firearm possession near preschools and early education sites, potentially affecting parents, staff, and nearby residents who legally carry firearms.
• No direct effects on international relations are outlined in the bill.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Preschool operators and early childhood education providers.
• Parents, guardians, and children enrolled in these programs.
• Firearm owners and permit holders near affected zones.
• Law enforcement and school safety officials.
• Advocacy groups focused on child safety and gun rights.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• The expansion could prompt legal challenges regarding the scope of federal authority under the Commerce Clause, similar to prior litigation over the original Gun Free School Zones Act.
• Raises questions about balancing public safety interests with individual Second Amendment rights in non-traditional educational settings.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Subramanyam, Suhas [D-VA-10]

Cosponsors (9)

Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Moulton, Seth [D-MA-6], Rep. Johnson, Henry C. "Hank" [D-GA-4], Rep. Hayes, Jahana [D-CT-5], Rep. Beyer, Donald S. [D-VA-8], Rep. Frost, Maxwell [D-FL-10], Rep. Craig, Angie [D-MN-2], Rep. Foushee, Valerie P. [D-NC-4], Rep. Chu, Judy [D-CA-28]

Recent Actions

• 2026-06-23: Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H4134)
• 2026-06-08: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
• 2026-06-08: Introduced in House
• 2026-06-08: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Protect Every Preschooler Act of 2026 — issued 2026-06-08 — PDF (2 pages)