The bill seeks to prohibit semiautomatic assault weapons and large capacity ammunition feeding devices. It provides specific definitions for prohibited firearms and accessories, and imposes restrictions on their import, sale, and possession. The bill mandates secure storage and identification markings for existing weapons, with exemptions for certain firearms. It amends penalties for related offenses, sets regulations for transferring grandfathered weapons, and authorizes the Attorney General to implement regulations and buy-back programs. The bill also requires the maintenance and reporting of crime records related to these weapons. If enacted, these provisions will take effect 90 days after the bill's enactment.
Assault Weapons Ban of 2025
This bill makes it a crime to knowingly import, sell, manufacture, transfer, or possess a semiautomatic assault weapon (SAW) or large capacity ammunition feeding device (LCAFD).
The prohibition does not apply to a firearm that is (1) manually operated by bolt, pump, lever, or slide action, except for certain shotguns; (2) permanently inoperable; (3) an antique; (4) only capable of firing rimfire ammunition; or (5) a rifle or shotgun specifically identified by make and model.
The bill also exempts from the prohibition the following, with respect to a SAW or LCAFD:
- importation, sale, manufacture, transfer, or possession related to certain law enforcement efforts, or authorized tests or experiments;
- importation, sale, transfer, or possession related to securing nuclear materials; and
- possession by a retired law enforcement officer.
The bill permits continued possession, sale, or transfer of a grandfathered SAW, which must be securely stored. A licensed gun dealer must conduct a background check prior to the sale or transfer of a grandfathered SAW between private parties.
The bill permits continued possession of, but prohibits sale or transfer of, a grandfathered LCAFD.
Newly manufactured LCAFDs must display serial number identification. Newly manufactured SAWs and LCAFDs must display the date of manufacture.
The bill also allows a state or local government to use Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program funds to compensate individuals who surrender a SAW or LCAFD under a buy-back program.
