Assault Weapons Ban of 2025
Not law yet. Pending legislation.
Official status checked 2026-10-21 23:46 PT
Bill summary
Assault Weapons Ban of 2025 This bill makes it a crime to knowingly import, sell, manufacture, transfer, or possess a semiautomatic assault weapon (SAW) or large capacity ammunition feeding device (LCAFD).
The prohibition does not apply to a firearm that is (1) manually operated by bolt, pump, lever, or slide action, except for certain shotguns; (2) permanently inoperable; (3) an antique; (4) only capable of firing rimfire ammunition; or (5) a rifle or shotgun specifically identified by make and model.
The bill also exempts from the prohibition the following, with respect to a SAW or LCAFD: importation, sale, manufacture, transfer, or possession related to certain law enforcement efforts, or authorized tests or experiments; importation, sale, transfer, or possession related to securing nuclear materials; and possession by a retired law enforcement officer.
The bill permits continued possession, sale, or transfer of a grandfathered SAW, which must be securely stored.
The official digest continues on the official text.
Now vs if chaptered
Now: no federal assault-weapon or >10-round magazine ban. If chaptered: new 18 U.S.C. 922(v)/(w)-style import/sale/manufacture/transfer/possess crimes with a possession grandfather. Confirm enactment before advising.
Defender utility
Federal defenders and CA PDs watching a national AWB overlay: this is not present law. Do not plead a federal assault-weapon count from this bill. If it ever chapters, the live issues are feature-test vs named-list, the >10 LCM definition, and the grandfather clause. Bank already serves AWB/LCM challenges (CA, VA, NJ). Portable challenge vehicle only.
Who this is for. Federal defenders and multi-state firms tracking a pending national AWB/LCM overlay — not present law; not a California charge.
Penalties (if chaptered)
If chaptered: 18 U.S.C. 924 penalties would attach to the new 922(v) (and companion LCM) prohibitions. Not in force.