This bill would prohibit people under the age of 16 from possessing or using guns that are defined as a “machinegun” or “semiautomatic assault weapon” by the legislation. The ban would prevent people under the age of 16 from having a covered weapon sold, transferred, or loaned to them — even for use at a firing range. Violations of this legislation would be punished by fines, imprisonment of up to 10 years, or a combination thereof.
The term “semiautomatic assault weapon” would be defined as meaning a rifle, pistol, or shotgun with a detachable magazine that carries more than 10 rounds (five rounds for shotguns), parts designed to accelerate the rate of fire, or has one of the following characteristics:
Pistol grip;
Forward grip;
Folding, telescoping, or detachable stock;
Barrel shroud;
Threaded barrel;
The ability to attach a grenade or rocket launcher.
The legislation also defines specific types and brands of weapons as “semiautomatic assault weapons” including all AK and AR rifles, all Thompson rifles, and several other varieties specifically mentioned in subsection (b) of the bill’s text.