Senator Feinstein Releases Specifics On Bill To Stop Weapons Sales

In January, California Senator Feinstein(D) will introduce a bill to stop the sale, transfer, importation and manufacturing of military-style assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition feeding devices.

Following is a summary of the 2013 legislation:

Bans the sale, transfer, importation, or manufacturing of:

• 120 specifically-named firearms

• Certain other semiautomatic rifles, handguns, shotguns that can accept a detachable magazine and have one military characteristic

• Semiautomatic rifles and handguns with a fixed magazine that can accept more than 10 rounds

Strengthens the 1994 Assault Weapons Ban and various state bans by:

• Moving from a 2-characteristic test to a 1-characteristic test

• Eliminating the easy-to-remove bayonet mounts and flash suppressors from the characteristics test

• Banning firearms with “thumbhole stocks” and “bullet buttons” to address attempts to “work around” prior bans

• Bans large-capacity ammunition feeding devices capable of accepting more than 10 rounds.

Protects legitimate hunters and the rights of existing gun owners by:

• Grandfathering weapons legally possessed on the date of enactment

• Exempting over 900 specifically-named weapons used for hunting or sporting purposes and

• Exempting antique, manually-operated, and permanently disabled weapons

Requires that grandfathered weapons be registered under the National Firearms Act, to include:

• Background check of owner and any transferee;

• Type and serial number of the firearm;

• Positive identification, including photograph and fingerprint;

• Certification from local law enforcement of identity and that possession would not violate State or local law; and

• Dedicated funding for ATF to implement registration