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Assault Weapons Ban of 2025

5/29/2025, 12:53 AM

Summary of Bill S 1531

This bill, designated as S. 1531 in the 119th Congress and introduced on April 30, 2025, aims to regulate assault weapons with the goal of ensuring that the right to keep and bear arms is not without limitations.

Congressional Summary of S 1531

Assault Weapons Ban of 2025

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.

Current Status of Bill S 1531

Bill S 1531 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since April 30, 2025. Bill S 1531 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the Senate on April 30, 2025.  Bill S 1531's most recent activity was Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. as of April 30, 2025

Bipartisan Support of Bill S 1531

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
1
Republican Sponsors
0
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
81
Democrat Cosponsors
79
Republican Cosponsors
0
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
2

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 1531

Primary Policy Focus

Alternate Title(s) of Bill S 1531

A bill to regulate assault weapons, to ensure that the right to keep and bear arms is not unlimited, and for other purposes.
A bill to regulate assault weapons, to ensure that the right to keep and bear arms is not unlimited, and for other purposes.

Comments

Andie Kirkland profile image

Andie Kirkland

996

1 year ago

I support this bill.

Birdie Winstead profile image

Birdie Winstead

986

1 year ago

I wonder how this bill will impact gun owners like me. Did you know it includes a buyback program?