Assault Weapons Ban of 2023

Hozzl · 2024-01-23T08:15:07Z

Explore the details of House Bill 698 Assault Weapons Ban of 2023 currently in Congress. Get insights into its purpose, current status, sponsors, and potential impact on Crime and Law Enforcement. Stay informed on legislative developments.

1/23/2024, 8:15 AM

Congressional Summary of HR 698

Assault Weapons Ban of 2023

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, except for certain shotguns; (2) permanently inoperable; (3) an antique; (4) only capable of firing rimfire ammunition; or (5) 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 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.

Read the Full Bill

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Current Status of Bill HR 698

Bill HR 698 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since February 1, 2023. Bill HR 698 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the House on February 1, 2023. Bill HR 698's most recent activity was ASSUMING FIRST SPONSORSHIP - Mrs. McBath asked unanimous consent that she may hereafter be considered as the first sponsor of H.R. 698, a bill originally introduced by Representative Cicilline, for the purpose of adding cosponsors and requesting reprintings pursuant to clause 7 of rule XII. Agreed to without objection. as of June 5, 2023

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 698

Total Number of Sponsors

Democrat Sponsors

Republican Sponsors

Unaffiliated Sponsors

Total Number of Cosponsors

206

Democrat Cosponsors

206

Republican Cosponsors

Unaffiliated Cosponsors

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 698

Primary Policy Focus

Crime and Law Enforcement

Potential Impact Areas

Administrative law and regulatory proceduresCriminal justice information and recordsCriminal procedure and sentencingDepartment of JusticeFirearms and explosivesLaw enforcement administration and fundingLicensing and registrationsRetail and wholesale tradesTrade restrictions

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 698

Assault Weapons Ban of 2023Assault Weapons Ban of 2023To regulate assault weapons, to ensure that the right to keep and bear arms is not unlimited, and for other purposes.

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