This bill adds a new chapter to Title 11 of the General Laws entitled "Assault Weapons." It establishes restrictions on the manufacture, sale, purchase, possession, and transfer of assault weapons. Individuals who lawfully possessed an assault weapon before the effective date of the chapter have the option to register the weapon, render it permanently inoperable, surrender it to the police, or transfer/sell it to a licensed firearm dealer or authorized person or firm. Law enforcement officers who are not otherwise prohibited from receiving an assault weapon are also exempt from the restrictions.

This bill amends current law regarding the possession and registration of assault weapons. It specifies who is exempt from the prohibition on possessing assault weapons, including qualified law enforcement officers, retired law enforcement officers, active duty members of the Armed Forces, and federally licensed firearms dealers. The bill also outlines the options for transferring or surrendering an assault weapon upon the death of the owner, including transferring the weapon to a licensed dealer, surrendering it to the police, removing it from the state, registering it within 90 days, or rendering it permanently inoperable. Additionally, the bill establishes a process for registering assault weapons that were lawfully possessed before the effective date of the bill. Owners have one year to register their weapons by completing a registration statement, undergoing a background check, and paying a registration fee.