Governor's Bill No. 5043 aims to prohibit the manufacture and sale of convertible pistols in the state, with an effective date of July 1, 2026. The bill amends existing statutes by redefining "machine gun" to include any convertible pistol equipped with a pistol converter, which is a device that allows a semiautomatic pistol to be converted into a machine gun. The bill also introduces a new definition for "convertible pistol," specifying it as a semiautomatic pistol that can be readily converted into a machine gun using common household tools. Additionally, the bill clarifies the definitions of related terms, such as "rate of fire enhancement" and "pistol converter," to encompass various devices that increase the firing rate of firearms.

Under the proposed legislation, individuals or entities that distribute, transport, or sell convertible pistols will be guilty of a class D felony, with certain exemptions for state agencies, law enforcement, military personnel, and licensed gun dealers. The bill also repeals and replaces existing legal language to ensure clarity and consistency in the definitions and regulations surrounding firearms. Overall, the bill seeks to enhance public safety by restricting access to firearms that can be easily modified to function as automatic weapons.