HB 5996 Summary

• Prohibits manufacture, possession, purchase, sale, and transfer of assault weapons and conversion kits, defined to include semiautomatic rifles/pistols with detachable magazines and certain features (pistol grip, barrel shroud, muzzle brake, etc.), shotguns with detachable magazines or revolving cylinders, and firearms with fixed magazines holding more than 10 rounds.

• Prohibits simultaneous possession of semiautomatic/pump-action rifles or semiautomatic pistols capable of accepting detachable magazines with magazines containing more than 10 rounds, with exceptions for licensed shooting ranges and officially sanctioned sporting events.

• Allows persons who legally possessed assault weapons before the effective date to continue possession if they immediately register with the Department of State Police, safely store the weapons, annually renew registration, and possess them only on owned property, at licensed shooting ranges, or during lawful transport in a locked, unloaded container.

• Requires persons acquiring assault weapons by inheritance, bequest, or succession after the effective date to register, relinquish, or permanently disable the weapon within 30 days.

• Establishes felony penalties of up to 4 years imprisonment or $2,100 fine for violations, and authorizes the Department of State Police to promulgate implementation rules and revoke registrations of convicted violators.