Overview
- SB 749 would prohibit the future sale, manufacture and importation of firearms defined as assault weapons and magazines holding more than 15 rounds, with an effective date of July 1, 2026 if signed.
- Current owners would be grandfathered, with limited transfer options to licensed dealers or out-of-state buyers, inheritance by immediate family allowed, and exemptions for certain groups such as law enforcement.
- Violations tied to the assault-weapon and magazine provisions would be a Class 1 misdemeanor, carrying up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.
- The bill defines covered firearms by specific features, including certain semi-automatic center-fire rifles, pistols, and shotguns with characteristics such as folding stocks, pistol grips, or threaded barrels.
- Lawmakers also advanced related measures on public carry (SB 727), firearm industry accountability (SB 27/HB 21), and unserialized or plastic guns (HB 40), as gun-rights groups and Republicans cite a recent D.C. ruling against a magazine ban in forecasting legal challenges.