Defining what is or what isn’t an assault weapon is rather nebulous at its very core. However, the closest definition we can work with centers around a semi-automatic rifle with a military-style design. Today, we’re looking at states with assault weapons bans.
Why Aren’t There Federal Provisions?
The only sweeping assault weapon ban came about in 1994. The Assault Weapons Bill, or the Brady Bill as it was known more derisively, came about as a means to reduce the ability to procure high-capacity magazines.
Since expiring in 2004, there have been no overt moves toward reducing assault weapons on a federal level. There have certainly been attempts, but unanimous decisions in the House or Senate have yet to be reached.
Is Gun Control on the Docket Now?
As this list is being written, there is a new president-elect. While platforms generally indicate opinions on firearms ownership, the incoming president doesn’t seem keen to enact sweeping measures. Factor in the Republican majority in the House and Senate, and it’s likely any assault weapon bans will remain at the state level.
California
- Year ban first went into effect: 1989
- Assault weapon restrictions: Possession, manufacture, sale, gifting, transport, import
- Exceptions to ban: Lawful ownership of weapon before ban and subsequent registration
- Assault weapon definitions: Specific models and firearms with one or more specific features
- Types of banned assault weapons: Rifles, shotguns, and pistols
Connecticut
- Year ban first went into effect: 1993, expanded in 2013
- Assault weapon restrictions: Possession, sale, gifting, transport, import
- Exceptions to ban: Lawful ownership of weapon before bans with certification
- Assault weapon definitions: Specific models and firearms with one or more specific features
- Types of banned assault weapons: Rifles, shotguns, and pistols
Delaware
- Year ban first went into effect: 2022
- Assault weapon restrictions: Possession, manufacture, sale, transfer, receipt
- Exceptions to ban: Lawful ownership before June 20, 2022, transfer to a family member
- Assault weapon definitions: Specific models and firearms with one or more specific features
- Types of banned assault weapons: Rifles, shotguns, and pistols
Hawaii
- Year ban first went into effect: 1992
- Assault weapon restrictions: Possession, manufacture, sale or other transfer, barter, trade, gift or acquisition
- Exceptions to ban: Lawful ownership prior to July 1, 1992 and subsequent registration
- Assault weapon definitions: Firearms with two or more specific features
- Types of banned assault weapons: Pistols only
Illinois
- Year ban goes into effect: 2023
- Assault weapon restrictions: Possession, manufacture, sale, import, deliver, purchase
- Exceptions to ban: Lawful ownership prior to ban and registration before Jan. 1, 2024
- Assault weapon definitions: Specific models and firearms with some specific features
- Types of banned assault weapons: Rifles, shotguns, and pistols
Maryland
- Year ban first went into effect: 1994, expanded in 2013
- Assault weapon restrictions: Possession, sale, transfer, purchase, receipt, transport
- Exceptions to ban: Lawful ownership and registration of assault pistol prior to Aug. 1, 1994 and lawful ownership of assault long gun before Oct. 1, 2013
- Assault weapon definitions: Firearms with two or more specific features
- Types of banned assault weapons: Rifles, shotguns, and pistols
Massachusetts
- Year ban first went into effect: 1994
- Assault weapon restrictions: Possession, sale, transfer
- Exceptions to ban: Lawful ownership prior to Sept. 13, 1994
- Assault weapon definitions: Specific models and firearms with one or more specific features
- Types of banned assault weapons: Rifles, shotguns, and pistols
New Jersey
- Year ban first went into effect: 1990
- Assault weapon restrictions: Possession, manufacture, transport, shipping, selling, disposal of
- Exceptions to ban: Officially licensed owners, lawful ownership prior to May 1, 1990 with subsequent registration
- Assault weapon definitions: Specific models and firearms with some specific features
- Types of banned assault weapons: Rifles, shotguns, and pistols
New York
- Year ban first went into effect: 2013
- Assault weapon restrictions: Possession, manufacture, transport, disposal of
- Exceptions to ban: Lawful ownership prior to Jan. 15, 2013, registered before Jan. 15, 2014
- Assault weapon definitions: Firearms with one or more specific features
- Types of banned assault weapons: Rifles, shotguns, and pistols
Washington
- Year ban first went into effect: 2023
- Assault weapon restrictions: Sale, manufacture, import, distribution
- Exceptions to ban: Possession permitted for eligible residents, contingent on completion of safety training courses
- Assault weapon definitions: Specific models and firearms with some specific features
- Types of banned assault weapons: Rifles, shotguns, and pistols
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Ghaith Abdul-Ahad/iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images.
