This bill introduces a new chapter to Title 11 of the General Laws, focusing on "Assault Weapons." It defines what constitutes an assault weapon and sets forth restrictions on their manufacture, sale, purchase, and possession, with certain exceptions for individuals who lawfully possessed an assault weapon before the bill's effective date and either register it or render it inoperable. The bill also exempts law enforcement officers and other specified individuals from the prohibition. Violations of these restrictions can lead to imprisonment, fines, and forfeiture of the assault weapon.

The bill requires the registration of assault weapons within a one-year window, involving a background check and a $25 registration fee. It establishes a certificate of possession for registered weapons, which is necessary for legal possession and outlines the conditions under which assault weapons can be possessed, transported, and transferred. The bill also details the process for selling or transferring grandfathered assault weapons to federally licensed firearm dealers and includes a severability clause to maintain the validity of the remaining provisions if any part of the act is found invalid. The act takes effect upon passage, with penalties for violations including fines up to $10,000 or imprisonment up to ten years.