Assault Weapons Ban of 2025
Assault Weapons Ban of 2025
Plain Language Summary
# Summary of the Assault Weapons Ban of 2025 **What the Bill Would Do** If passed, this bill would make it illegal to import, sell, manufacture, transfer, or possess semiautomatic assault weapons and large-capacity ammunition magazines. However, it includes several exceptions: manually-operated firearms (like bolt-action rifles), permanently disabled weapons, antiques, rimfire-only weapons, and certain specific rifle and shotgun models would not be affected. The bill also allows law enforcement, authorized researchers, and those securing nuclear materials to work with these weapons, and permits retired police officers to keep them. **Who It Affects and Key Provision** The legislation would primarily affect gun manufacturers, dealers, and individuals who own or want to purchase semiautomatic assault weapons. A notable provision allows current owners to keep existing weapons through a "grandfather" clause, meaning those who already own these firearms could keep them if properly stored, though they couldn't sell or transfer them to others.
This protects current owners from losing their weapons while preventing new sales. **Current Status** The bill (S. 1531) was introduced by Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA) in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been voted on by the full Senate. It has not advanced to a vote.
CRS Official Summary
Assault Weapons Ban of 2025This 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; andpossession 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.
Latest Action
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.