The Sabika Sheikh Firearm Licensing and Registration Act is a proposed United States law that would require every firearm in the US to be licensed, insured, and accounted for at all times. The law would also impose a ban on any ammunition that is larger than .50 caliber (AE, BMG) The law expands US Code Title 18, Chapter 44.
The act is named in honor of Sabika Sheikh, a 17-year exchange student from Pakistan who was killed in the Santa Fe High School shooting.
The bill brings together some features of other gun control legislation, some merely proposed, and some implemented in other states. For example, the registration of firearms and the requirement for background checks to purchase ammunition are both features of California gun regulation.
As of January 2, 2026:
This bill establishes a process for the licensing and registration of firearms. It also prohibits the possession of certain ammunition and large capacity ammunition feeding devices.
First, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives must establish (1) a licensing system for the possession of firearms or ammunition, and (2) a registration system for firearms.
In addition, the Department of Justice (DOJ) must establish and maintain a publicly available database of all registered firearms.
Thirdly, the bill generally prohibits and penalizes the possession of a firearm or ammunition unless the individual complies with licensing and registration requirements. Further, it prohibits the transfer of a firearm or ammunition to an unlicensed person.
Finally, it generally prohibits and penalizes (1) the possession of ammunition that is 0.50 caliber or greater, and (2) the possession of a large capacity ammunition feed device.
The bill requires that a policy, be issued by the Attorney General that insures the person against liability for losses and damages resulting from the use of any firearm by the person during a 1-year policy period. The fees for a policy amount to $800 a year.
For a general license, the pursuant must: