The proposed legislation, General Assembly Raised Bill No. 5459, aims to amend existing laws regarding the voluntary relinquishment of firearms. The bill allows individuals to arrange in advance to surrender assault weapons to a police department or the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, effective October 1, 2026. Additionally, it permits any individual to relinquish any firearm at any time to these authorities. This change is reflected in the new legal language inserted into Section 53-202e, which replaces the previous provisions regarding the relinquishment of firearms.

Furthermore, the bill modifies penalties related to the possession of assault weapons. It repeals and substitutes language in Section 53-202c, clarifying that individuals who possess assault weapons without proper authorization may face a class D felony, with certain exceptions for first-time violations. The bill also updates Section 53-202d to specify that assault weapons cannot be sold or transferred, with exceptions for licensed dealers and specific circumstances, including relinquishment as outlined in the new provisions. Overall, the bill seeks to enhance public safety by facilitating the voluntary surrender of firearms while clarifying the legal framework surrounding assault weapon possession.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 53-202e