RES 89083 - Laserfiche WebLink

- the firearm is automatically fed after each discharge from or by means of clips, disks, drums, belts or other separable mechanical device having a capacity greater than 9 cartridges. - the firearm is automatically fed after each discharge from a self contained magazine within the firearm that holds greater than 9 cartridges. The intent of this legislation is to classify semi-automatic assault weapons as "machine guns." The proposed language was current law until 1965. In 1965 and 1967, the definition of "machine gun" was amended to exclude and legalize semi-automatic assault weapons. The proposed bill will restore the original language prior to the 1965 law, revised to appropriately suit the 1990's. AB 334 - PENALTY INCREASES Penalty increases are being proposed for the following crimes: o Assault with an assault gun currently is treated the same as assault with a single-shot firearm. Given the deadly nature of an assault gun and the fact that these weapons will become illegal, assault with an assault gun may warrant life imprisonment, with the possibility of parole. o Possession of an assault gun currently is legal. (Possession of a machine gun currently is punishable by imprisonment for a minimum of 16 months and a maximum of 3 years.) It will be proposed that possession of assault guns (including machine guns) be punishable by imprisonment for a minimum of 3 years and a maximum of 5 years. o Although it currently is illegal to possess mechanical parts designed and intended to convert a firearm to a machine gun, there is no law against the act of conversion itself. It will be proposed that the act of converting a firearm into any assault gun (including a machine gun) be punishable by imprisonment for a minimum of 3 years and a maximum of 5 years. o It will be recommended that sentence enhancements for misuse of assault guns be mandatory, due to the danger assault guns present to society.