All articles tagged with #assault weapons
The Minnesota Senate voted 34-33 to approve a gun-safety omnibus bill that would ban assault-style weapons and high-capacity magazines, alongside funding for school safety and mental health programs; the measure moves to the House and then to Gov. Walz, though its fate remains uncertain in the split chamber.
Gov. Spanberger amended and signed a sweeping package of Virginia gun laws, expanding universal background checks on private sales, raising the purchase age for guns, tightening safe-storage rules, banning future sales of certain semi-automatic firearms and high-capacity magazines, and restricting gun carry in state buildings, with enforcement-focused changes and the potential for legal challenges as lawmakers reconvene.
The Supreme Court declined to hear a challenge to bans on assault weapons in several blue states, including Maryland and California, indicating it may address the issue in the future. The case centered on whether the 2nd Amendment protects weapons like the AR-15, which are in common use, with the court's current majority not ready to strike down state restrictions on semi-automatic rifles.
The U.S. Supreme Court declined to review challenges to state bans on assault-style rifles and high-capacity magazines, upholding lower court decisions that these restrictions do not violate the Second Amendment, with some justices indicating the issue may return to the Court in the future.
A federal judge in Illinois has ruled the state's ban on assault weapons unconstitutional, citing a violation of the Second Amendment. The Protect Illinois Communities Act, which bans the sale and requires registration of assault-style weapons, was challenged for not aligning with the Supreme Court's framework for gun laws. The judge issued a permanent injunction against the ban but delayed its enforcement for 30 days to allow for an appeal. The ruling has sparked reactions from both gun rights advocates and those affected by gun violence, with the state planning to appeal the decision.
The Colorado House passed a bill to ban the sale, purchase, and transfer of so-called assault weapons, defining them as certain high-powered, semi-automatic firearms with specific features. The bill does not ban possession but imposes penalties for illegal sales, risking gun shop licenses. The measure now heads to the state Senate, facing opposition from some Democrats and skepticism from Gov. Jared Polis. Supporters argue it's a preventative response to mass shootings, while opponents claim it violates the Second Amendment and won't reduce gun violence.
The Colorado House of Representatives passed a bill banning the sale of assault weapons, facing an uncertain fate in the Senate. The bill defines assault weapons as a broad range of semiautomatic firearms and has sparked debate between Democrats and Republicans. If passed, the bill is likely to face legal challenges and is seen as improbable to be signed into law by Gov. Jared Polis. The Senate is considered more moderate, and the bill's fate remains uncertain despite a Democratic majority.
Colorado Democrats are pushing a series of gun control bills, including a ban on "assault weapons," an 11% tax on gun and ammunition sales, and increased standards for concealed handgun training classes. Second Amendment experts argue that these bills, which have largely flown under the national radar, could have far-reaching implications beyond Colorado and are being used as blueprints for other states. Critics say the proposed legislation would disproportionately impact law-abiding citizens, particularly women, and lower-income Americans, while proponents argue that such measures are necessary to protect communities from mass shootings.
Colorado Democrats are pushing a series of gun control bills, including a ban on "assault weapons," an 11% tax on gun and ammunition sales, and increased standards for concealed handgun training classes. Second Amendment experts argue that these bills, which have largely flown under the national radar, could have far-reaching implications beyond Colorado, as they may serve as blueprints for other states. Critics say the proposed legislation could disproportionately impact lower-income Americans and leave women vulnerable to crime, while supporters argue that the measures are necessary to protect communities from mass shootings.
Two Denver Democrats have introduced a bill in Colorado that would ban the purchase, sale, and transfer of semi-automatic firearms defined as assault weapons. The bill faces uncertain political support and opposition from gun rights advocates. If passed, it would impose fines for violations and prohibit the possession of rapid-fire trigger activators. The introduction of this bill comes amidst ongoing debates in the legislature over several other gun control measures.
The Virginia Senate and House of Delegates have passed bills to ban the sale of assault weapons, which would also prohibit their purchase, possession, transfer, and sale. The House bill additionally proposes making possession of assault weapons a Class 1 misdemeanor. Advocates and opponents of the ban have differing views on its effectiveness in curbing gun violence, with the likelihood of a veto by Governor Glenn Youngkin being high.
The governor of New Mexico has introduced bills to ban assault weapons and raise the age to possess a gun, as part of efforts to tighten gun control laws in the state.
Senator Angus King of Maine has introduced new legislation called the GOSAFE Act, which aims to regulate the manufacturing and sale of firearms in the United States. The bill focuses on limiting the number of bullets a gun can hold rather than banning specific models, with rifles and shotguns restricted to magazines carrying no more than 10 rounds, and handguns allowed up to 15 rounds. The proposal comes in the wake of a mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine, and is intended to close loopholes that allow gun manufacturers to evade bans on specific weapons. The bill faces resistance from gun rights advocates, but King believes that public opinion and the need for meaningful gun reform will eventually lead to its passage.
Maine is grappling with the aftermath of the deadliest mass shooting in its history and facing scrutiny over its permissive gun laws. The state allows most adults to carry concealed weapons without a permit and has seen recent failed attempts to enact universal background checks and waiting periods. The existing law for taking guns away from potentially dangerous individuals has also come under examination. While concrete proposals for new gun restrictions are scarce, there is a growing call for a serious conversation about gun violence and public safety. Some Mainers advocate for getting military-style weapons off the streets, while others point to failures in mental health services and alerting systems. The prospects for significant changes to Maine's gun laws remain uncertain, given the state's strong hunting tradition and high rates of gun ownership.
President Joe Biden will speak at a summit in Connecticut on Friday to highlight the implementation of the federal gun safety legislation signed last year. He will also push for universal background checks and the banning of assault weapons. The summit is being led by U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy and major gun safety groups hoping to build on recent progress. Since the bill signing last summer, there have been at least 26 mass killings in the U.S. so far in 2023, leaving at least 131 people dead. Firearms are the No. 1 killer of children in the U.S.