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Federal
Assault Weapons Ban of 2023
Source: Congress.gov  Β·  21,139 words in original text
This bill makes it illegal for people to import, sell, manufacture, transfer, or possess semiautomatic assault weapons and large capacity ammunition feeding devices (magazines that hold more than 15 rounds). The bill lists specific rifle, pistol, and shotgun models that are banned, but allows people to keep weapons they already owned before the law passes. ##
- Individual gun owners - Licensed gun manufacturers and dealers - Licensed gun importers - Law enforcement officers (federal, state, local, and campus police) - Retired law enforcement officers - Nuclear facility security personnel - Attorney General of the United States ##
- It becomes illegal to import, sell, manufacture, transfer, or possess a semiautomatic assault weapon, with exceptions for weapons legally owned before the law takes effect (Sec. 3(a)) - People who already own assault weapons before the law passes may keep them, but must store them securely or carry them on their person to prevent access by people prohibited from owning firearms (Sec. 3(a)) - It becomes illegal to import, sell, manufacture, transfer, or possess large capacity ammunition feeding devices, except those legally owned before the law takes effect (Sec. 3(a)) - Manufacturers must engrave the date of manufacture and serial numbers on all new semiautomatic assault weapons and large capacity ammunition feeding devices (Sec. 3(b) and (c)) - The Attorney General must keep records of semiautomatic assault weapons used in crimes and report annually to Congress (Sec. 3(a)) ##
If this becomes law, people cannot legally buy or sell new semiautomatic assault weapons or large capacity magazines. However, weapons and magazines legally owned before the law passes remain legal to keep. Law enforcement officers, military personnel, and certain security professionals are exempt from these restrictions. Grandfathered weapons (those owned before the law) must be stored securely to prevent access by prohibited individuals unless carried on the person. ##
**Semiautomatic Assault Weapon**: Any rifle, pistol, or shotgun that uses the firing cartridge's energy to reload and requires a separate trigger pull for each shot, and has features like a pistol grip, folding stock, grenade launcher, or barrel shroud. Also includes specific listed models like AR-15 and AK-47 types. **Large Capacity Ammunition Feeding Device**: A magazine, belt, drum, or similar device holding more than 15 rounds of ammunition. **Grandfathered Semiautomatic Assault Weapon**: A weapon legally owned before the law takes effect that would otherwise be banned. **Detachable Ammunition Feeding Device**: A magazine or clip that can be removed from a firearm without taking the firearm apart. **Permanently Inoperable**: A firearm that cannot fire and cannot be easily fixed to fire again. **Threaded Barrel**: A barrel designed to allow attachment of devices like silencers or flash suppressors. **Barrel Shroud**: A cover attached to or surrounding the barrel that protects the user from barrel heat. ##
Not specified in bill text
Important: This plain English summary was generated by AI and is provided for informational purposes only. It is not legal advice. Always consult the official bill text on Congress.gov or a qualified attorney for legal matters.