S 66 : Assault Weapons Ban of 2019 (Senate)
Position: Support Status: Senate Judiciary Committee
S 66 creates a crime of knowingly importing, selling, manufacturing, transferring, or possessing a semiautomatic assault weapon (SAW) or large capacity ammunition feeding device (LCAFD).
People who owned covered firearms and LCAFDs be allowed to have these products "grandfathered" and can keep the items but must securely store the LCAFDs and firearms. Grandfathered LCAFDs and firearms may not be sold or transferred (exceptions exist).
The prohibition does not apply to a firearm that is (1) manually operated by bolt, pump, lever, or slide action; (2) permanently inoperable; (3) an antique; or (4) a rifle or shotgun specifically identified by make and model.
The bill also exempts for certain law enforcement work, authorized tests or experiments, retired law enforcement officers, and work related to securing nuclear materials.
Newly manufactured LCAFDs must display serial number identification. Newly manufactured SAWs and LCAFDs must display the date of manufacture.
The bill requires law enforcement agencies to be notified when a prohibited person attempts to purchase a grandfathered SAW.
It 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.
Update
S 66 has 34 cosponsors, including Oregon Senators Wyden and Merkley.
The House bill is HR 1296.
S 66 makes it a crime to knowingly import, sell, manufacture, transfer, or possess a semiautomatic assault weapon (SAW) or large capacity ammunition feeding device (LCAFD). Definitions for SAW and LCAFD are found here.
The prohibition does not apply to a firearm that is (1) manually operated by bolt, pump, lever, or slide action; (2) permanently inoperable; (3) an antique; or (4) 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 requires law enforcement agencies to be notified when a prohibited person attempts to purchase a grandfathered SAW.
It 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.