Bill Sponsor
House Bill 2959
116th Congress(2019-2020)
Freedom from Assault Weapons Act
Introduced
Introduced
Introduced in House on May 23, 2019
Overview
Text
Introduced
May 23, 2019
Latest Action
Jun 26, 2019
Origin Chamber
House
Type
Bill
Bill
The primary form of legislative measure used to propose law. Depending on the chamber of origin, bills begin with a designation of either H.R. or S. Joint resolution is another form of legislative measure used to propose law.
Bill Number
2959
Congress
116
Policy Area
Crime and Law Enforcement
Crime and Law Enforcement
Primary focus of measure is criminal offenses, investigation and prosecution, procedure and sentencing; corrections and imprisonment; juvenile crime; law enforcement administration. Measures concerning terrorism may fall under Emergency Management or International Affairs policy areas.
Sponsorship by Party
Democrat
California
Democrat
District of Columbia
House Votes (0)
Senate Votes (0)
No House votes have been held for this bill.
Summary

Freedom from Assault Weapons Act

This 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; (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.

Further, the bill exempts from the prohibition the possession or storage of a SAW at a shooting range, shooting gallery, or hunting club.

Finally, the bill requires the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to operate a buy-back program to purchase and destroy SAWs and LCAFDs.

Text (1)
Actions (3)
06/26/2019
Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security.
05/23/2019
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
05/23/2019
Introduced in House
Public Record
Record Updated
Nov 1, 2022 6:02:35 AM