COOL OFF Act Choosing Our Own Lives Over Fast Firearms Act
Not law yet. Pending legislation.
Official status checked 2026-10-21 23:46 PT
Bill summary
Choosing Our Own Lives Over Fast Firearms Act or the COOL OFF Act This bill establishes a three-day waiting period for certain handgun transfers.
Specifically, the bill makes it unlawful for a licensed importer, manufacturer, or dealer to sell or transfer a handgun to an unlicensed individual unless three business days have elapsed since the licensee initiated a background check.
A violator is subject to criminal penalties—a fine, up to one year in prison, or both.
Additionally, the bill makes it unlawful for an unlicensed individual to receive a handgun from another unlicensed individual unless at least three business days have elapsed since the recipient most recently offered to take possession of the handgun.
The official digest continues on the official text.
Now vs if chaptered
Now: no federal 3-day handgun receipt wait. If chaptered: new 922(aa) unlicensed-to-unlicensed wait plus 922(t) FFL wait, with LE/family/range exceptions; 90-day delayed effective date. Confirm enactment before advising.
Defender utility
Federal and multi-state PDs: there is no federal 3-day handgun waiting-period crime today. If this chapters, the case is timing (3 business days), handgun-only scope, and the 922(t)(7) exceptions — not a rifle/shotgun wait. Bank already serves waiting-period challenges. Not a California 10-day DROS analogue until enacted.
Who this is for. Federal defenders and CA PDs watching a pending 3-day federal handgun wait — not present law; not California DROS.
Exemptions (draft)
Proposed 922(t)(7): LE/armed private security/armed forces in official duties; specified family loans; temporary to prevent imminent death/GBH; temporary range/hunt/in-presence of transferor.
Penalties (if chaptered)
If chaptered: 18 U.S.C. 924(a)(1)(B) would include new 922(aa). Not in force.