FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Penny Okamoto, Executive Director

October 28, 2015

Ceasefire Oregon and the Ceasefire Oregon Education Foundation

ceasefireoregon@gmail.com
Ceasefire Oregon and the Ceasefire Oregon Education Foundation Release Recommendations to
Reduce Gun Violence by Thirty to Fifty Percent in Five Years
Ceasefire Oregon and the Ceasefire Oregon Education Foundation have drafted a plan of action, both
legislative and educational, that could reduce gun violence by 30 to 50 percent in five years.
The plan has three overarching goals:
Require higher standards for firearm ownership.
Enhance accountability of federally licensed firearm dealers (FFLs).
Improve safety standards for firearms and firearm ownership.
Ceasefire Oregon and the Ceasefire Oregon Education Foundation are greatly indebted to Oregon
Congressman Earl Blumenauer for his plan Enough is Enough1 and to Dr. Daniel Webster, Director of
the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Policy and Research. 2
The plan respects the values and ideals held by responsible gun owners while remaining within the scope
of the Second Amendment.
Recommendations for requiring higher standards for gun ownership include (1) national universal
background checks for all firearm sales3,4,9; (2) prohibition of gun ownership for 10 years if a person has
multiple offenses involving misdemeanor violence, alcohol or drug abuse, domestic violence, a domestic
violence restraining order or serious juvenile offense. 5,6,7 (3) secure weapons storage;8,9,10,11,12 and (4)
standardized training for concealed handgun license applicants that includes marksmanship proficiency,
active shooter training, and conflict resolution.13,14
Ceasefire Oregon supports Dr. Websters recommendations to reduce gun violence by enhancing
accountability of federally licensed firearms dealers (FFLs). 20, 21 The pipeline of crime guns can be
stopped by (1) requiring security cameras, computerized sales inventory, and other anti-theft measures
as are required by other purveyors of dangerous substances such as pharmacies; 2,15 (2) limiting gun
purchases to one gun per month to reduce trafficking and straw purchases; 16, 17 (3) repealing the Gekas
amendment of the 1994 Brady Bill that allows FFLs to sell a gun without a background check if the check
is not complete in three business days;18, 19 and (4) imposing a waiting period of two weeks between time
of sale and possession to deter suicide and impulse shootings.9
Affordable and effective technology exists today that would improve safety standards for guns and
gun ownership. This includes (1) a microstamped code on each bullet that links it to a specific gun; 22 (2)
magazine disconnect mechanisms (MDM) that prevent a gun from loading a bullet in the chamber;23 (3)

loaded chamber indicator (LCI or CLI) to show that bullets are still in the gun; 23 and (4) smart guns
with Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) or biometric recognition (fingerprint) capability.24
While only 4% of violent crime is attributable to mental illness, 25 we call for more funding to provide
competent assessment and care of our mentally ill citizens and those who are considering suicide. The
funding would be generated by a tax on each gun sale and on every box of bullets purchased. This tax
would be collected by the states and used to augment direct services for those suffering from mental
illness.
To reduce the high number of people killed in mass shootings, the sale and possession of military-style
rifles and high-capacity magazines should be banned.26
Finally, Ceasefire Oregon and the Ceasefire Oregon Education Foundation call on President Obama to
appoint a National Director of Gun Violence Prevention Policy. Over 30,000 Americans die every year
from gunfire. Appointing a National Director to focus solely on gun violence prevention would give the
necessary attention needed to reduce these largely preventable deaths.
Ceasefire Oregon, the Ceasefire Oregon Education Foundation, and the Central Coast Ceasefire Oregon
Chapter have been at the forefront of the gun violence prevention movement in Oregon since 1999. After
the Sandy Hook, Connecticut massacre, we helped establish the Oregon Alliance for Gun Safety
(http://www.oregonallianceforgunsafety.org/coalition) that has grown to over 50 organizations.
Ceasefire Oregon collaborated with the Oregon Alliance for Gun Safety, Everytown in Oregon, Moms
Demand Action Oregon and Gun Owners for Responsible Ownership to pass the 2015 Oregon Firearms
Safety Act that closed the private gun sale loophole in Oregon. The Ceasefire Oregon Education
Foundation (http://coef.ceasefireoregon.org/) has worked since 1994 to reduce gun violence through
education programs including ASK: Asking Saves Kids and gun turn-ins.
###
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

6.

7.

Enough is Enough: A Comprehensive Plan to Improve Gun Safety. 2015. Retrieved from
http://blumenauer.house.gov/images/pdf/enough_is_enough.pdf
Webster, Daniel W., ScD, MPH, Americas Path to Fewer Gun Deaths Retrieved from
http://www.tedmed.com/speakers/show?id=309062
Quinnpac University Poll, 2015 http://www.pollingreport.com/guns.htm
http://everytownresearch.org/state-background-check-requirements-and-rates-of-domestic-violence-homicide/
Sorenson ,Susan B. PhD, and Daniel W. Webster, ScD, MPH. What Works, Policies to Reduce Gun Violence. Gun
Violence: Prediction, Prevention and Policy, APA Panel Of Experts Report. American Psychological Association,
2013, pg. 30. Retrieved from http://www.apa.org/pubs/info/ reports/gun-violence-prevention.aspx
Wintemute, Garen. Broadening Denial Criteria. Updated Evidence and Policy Developments on Reducing Gun
Violence in America, Editors Daniel W. Webster and Jon S. Vernick. Baltimore, 2014. pp. 13-17. Johns Hopkins
University Press. Retrieved from http://www.jhsph.edu/research/centers-and-institutes/johns-hopkins-center-for-gunpolicy-and-research/resources/digtal_update_Webster_Vernick.pdf
Seventy percent of gun owners and 76.1% of non-gun owners support a gun policy prohibiting a person convicted of
two or more crimes involving alcohol or drugs within a 3-year period from having a gun for 10 years. Barry, Colleen
L., Ph.D., M.P.P, Emma E. McGinty, M.S., Jon S. Vernick, J.D., M.P.H., and Daniel W. Webster, Sc.D., M.P.H. After

8.
9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.
15.

16.

17.
18.

19.

20.

21.

Newtown--Public Opinion on Gun Policy and Mental Illness, N Engl J Med 2013; 368:1077-1081. March 21, 2013
DOI: 10.1056/NEJMp1300512. Retrieved from http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMp1300512#t=article
Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence. Retrieved from http://smartgunlaws.org/safe-storage-gun-locks-policy-summary/
Anestis, Michael D. and Joye C. Anestis. Suicide Rates and State Laws Regulating Access and Exposure to
Handguns. American Journal of Public Health: October 2015, Vol. 105, No. 10, pp. 2049-2058. doi:
10.2105/AJPH.2015.302753 Retrieved from http://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/abs/10.2105/AJPH.2015.302753
Forty-four percent of gun owners and 75.3% of non-gun owners support a gun policy requiring by law that a person
lockup the guns in the home when not in use to prevent handling by children or teenagers without adult supervision.
Barry, Colleen L., Ph.D., M.P.P, Emma E. McGinty, M.S., Jon S. Vernick, J.D., M.P.H., and Daniel W. Webster,
Sc.D., M.P.H. After Newtown--Public Opinion on Gun Policy and Mental Illness, N Engl J Med 2013; 368:10771081. March 21, 2013 DOI: 10.1056/NEJMp1300512. Retrieved from
http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMp1300512#t=article
Policy Statement from the American Academy of Pediatrics. Firearm-Related Injuries Affecting the Pediatric
Population. Council on Injury, Violence, and Poison Prevention Executive Committee. Retrieved from
http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/130/5/e1416.full
In Oregon, 82% percent of voters support child access prevention laws requiring safe storage of guns in a locked
container for homes where a child is present. Additionally, 71% of gun owners support this law. Benenson Strategy
Group, Polling Results, April 2015. Retrieved from http://americansforresponsiblesolutions.org/files/2015/04/ARSOregon-Child-Access-Prevention-Memo.pdf
Overall, the most consistent, albeit not uniform, finding to emerge from the array of models is that aggravated assault
rises when RTC laws are adopted. Donohue, John J. III, Abhay Aneja, and Alexandria Zhang. The Impact of Right to
Carry Laws and the NRC Report: Lessons for the Empirical Evaluation of Law and Policy May 20, 2010. Retrieved
from http://media.law.stanford.edu/publications/archive/pdf/ssrn-id1632599.pdf
Delaware Weapons Instructions and Forms. Retrieved from
http://www.delcode.delaware.gov/title11/c005/sc07/index.shtml#1441
Almost seventy-nine percent of gun owners and 86.4% of non-gun owners support a gun policy allowing the Bureau of
Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms to temporarily take away a gun dealers license if an audit reveals record-keeping
violations and the dealer cannot account for 20 or more guns. Barry, Colleen L., Ph.D., M.P.P, Emma E. McGinty,
M.S., Jon S. Vernick, J.D., M.P.H., and Daniel W. Webster, Sc.D., M.P.H. After Newtown--Public Opinion on Gun
Policy and Mental Illness, N Engl J Med 2013; 368:1077-1081. March 21, 2013 DOI: 10.1056/NEJMp1300512.
Retrieved from http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMp1300512#t=article
This study provides evidence that restricting handgun purchases to 1 per month is an effective means of disrupting the
illegal interstate transfer of firearms. Weil, Douglas S., ScD; Rebecca C. Knox, MPH, MSW. Effects of Limiting
Handgun Purchases on Interstate Transfer of Firearms. JAMA. 1996;275(22):1759-1761.
doi:10.1001/jama.1996.03530460063033. Retrieved from http://jama.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=403492
A 2012 Ipsos/Reuters poll found that sixty-nine percent of Americans support limiting the number of guns a person
could purchase in a given time frame. Retrieved from http://www.ipsos-na.com/news-polls/pressrelease.aspx?id=5586
Blumenthal, Murphy Move to Keep Guns Out of the Hands of Criminals. Retrieved from
http://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/blumenthal-murphy-move-to-keep-guns-out-of-the-handsof-criminals
Sixty-seven percent of gun owners and almost 80% of non-gun owners support a gun policy allowing law enforcement
up to 5 business days to complete a background check for gun buyers. (Note: This survey was conducted in January
2013, two and one-half years before the Charleston Massacre in which Dylan Roof allegedly shot nine people to death.
Reportedly, Roof obtained his firearm because of the Gekas amendment. http://everytownresearch.org/nics-charleston/)
Barry, Colleen L., Ph.D., M.P.P, Emma E. McGinty, M.S., Jon S. Vernick, J.D., M.P.H., and Daniel W. Webster,
Sc.D., M.P.H. After Newtown--Public Opinion on Gun Policy and Mental Illness, N Engl J Med 2013; 368:10771081. March 21, 2013 DOI: 10.1056/NEJMp1300512. Retrieved from
http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMp1300512#t=article
Congress should repeal the Tiahrt Amendment, which restricts the sharing of gun trace data. Taking a Stand:
Reducing Gun Violence in Our Communities: A report from the International Association of Chiefs of Police 2007
Great Lakes Summit on Gun Violence, pg. 21. Retrieved from http://www.theiacp.org/portals/0/pdfs/ACF1875.pdf
H.R.1449 - Tiahrt Restrictions Repeal Act114th Congress (2015-2016) Rep. Lee, Barbara [D-CA-13] (Introduced
03/18/2015) Retrieved from https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/house-bill/1449/text

22. Lizotte TE and Ohar O. 2008. Forensic firearm identification of semiautomatic handguns using laser formed
microstamping elements. SPIE Proceedings 7070: 1-15.
23. From a nationally projectable sample, GAO estimates that 31 percent of accidental deaths caused by firearms might be
prevented by the addition of two safety devices. Eleanor Chclimsky,Assistant Comptroller General. United States
General Accounting Office, Report to Chairman, Subcommittee on Antitrust, Monopolies and Business Rights,
Committee on the Judiciary, U.S. Senate. Accidental Shootings Many Deaths and Injuries Caused by Firearms Could
Be Prevented. pg. 2. March 1991. Retrieved from http://www.gao.gov/assets/160/150353.pdf
24. Webster, Daniel W., ScD MPH, Jon S. Vernick, JD, MPH Stephen P. Teret, JD, MPH. How Cities Can Combat Illegal
Guns and Gun Violence. Center for Gun Policy and Research. Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
Baltimore, MD. Updated October 23, 2006. Retrieved from http://www.jhsph.edu/research/centers-and-institutes/johnshopkins-center-for-gun-policy-and-research/publications/How_Cities_Can_Combat_Illegal_Guns.pdf
25. Appelbaum PS. Violence and mental disorders: data and public policy. Am J Psychiatry. 2006;163(8):13191321.
26. According to a December 2014 poll by Pew Research Center, fifty-eight percent of Americans support a ban on semiautomatic weapons. Retrieved from http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2015/01/09/a-public-opinion-trend-thatmatters-priorities-for-gun-policy/

A short list of current bills in the U.S. House of Representatives that would reduce gun violence:
HR 2216 Protect DV & Stalking Victims
HR 2917 Mental health professional allowed to submit information about dangerous person
HR 2612 Increase gun violence prevention research
HR 224 Surgeon General reports to Congress about gun violence and gun violence prevention
HR 2917 Mental health professional allowed to submit information about dangerous person
HR 1449 Repeal Tiahrt Amendments
HR 225 Firearms Safety Act
HR 1454 Regarding armor piercing bullets
HR 752 Ban large capacity ammunition feeding devices
HR 1745 $2000 tax credit to surrender assault weapon
HR 3497 PLEA protect law enforcement armor act

State Laws, from the Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence at www.smartgunlaws.org

States with higher standards of requirements for gun ownership

States with purchase limited to one gun per month
States with storage requirements
States with high levels of training required for concealed handgun licenses
States with waiting periods
States with microstamping or ballistic imaging
States requiring locking devices

States requiring a magazine disconnect mechanism or chamber loaded indicator

States with higher standards of requirements for gun ownership:

http://smartgunlaws.org/prohibited-purchasers-generally-in-new-york/
New York (A-): Has been convicted of a felony or serious offence (currently being updated to reflect 2015 law)
Has been convicted of a felony or serious offense, defined to include:
o Illegally using, carrying or possessing a handgun or other dangerous weapon;
o Making or possessing burglars instruments;
o Buying or receiving stolen property;
o Unlawful entry into a building;
o Aiding escape from prison;
o Certain kinds of disorderly conduct;
o Certain drug offenses or crimes involving sodomy or rape;
o Child endangerment;
o Certain crimes permitting or promoting prostitution; or
o Certain kinds of stalking.
Delaware: (B-) Has been convicted of a felony or serious offense
Has been convicted of a felony or serious offense, defined to include:
o Illegally using, carrying or possessing a handgun or other dangerous weapon;
o Making or possessing burglars instruments;
o Buying or receiving stolen property;
o Unlawful entry into a building;
o Aiding escape from prison;
o Certain kinds of disorderly conduct;
o Certain drug offenses or crimes involving sodomy or rape;
o Child endangerment;
o Certain crimes permitting or promoting prostitution; or
o Certain kinds of stalking.
States with purchase limited to one gun per month
http://smartgunlaws.org/multiple-purchases-sales-of-firearms-policy-summary/
California
D.C.
Maryland
New Jersey
http://smartgunlaws.org/multiple-purchases-sales-of-firearms-policy-summary/

Storage requirements http://smartgunlaws.org/safe-storage-gun-locks-policy-summary/

Eleven states have laws concerning firearm locking devices. Massachusetts is the only state that generally requires that all
firearms be stored with a lock in place; California, Connecticut, and New York impose this requirement in certain situations.
Other state laws regarding locking devices are similar to the federal law, in that they require locking devices to accompany
certain guns manufactured, sold, or transferred. Five of the eleven states also set standards for the design of locking devices or
require them to be approved by a state agency for effectiveness.
State

Firearms Must Be

Locks Must

Locks Must

Locks Must Meet

Kept Locked

Accompany Dealer

Accompany Private

Standards or Be

Sales

Sales

Approved

California

Sometimes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Connecticut

Sometimes

Handguns only

Handguns only

Yes

Illinois

Handguns only

Maryland

Handguns only

Massachusetts

Yes

Handguns and assault Handguns and assault Yes

weapons only

Michigan

Yes

New Jersey

Handguns only

New York

Sometimes

Yes

weapons only

Handguns only

Yes

Ohio

Offer only

Pennsylvania

Handguns only

Rhode Island

Handguns only

Yes

States with high levels of training required for concealed handgun licenses
State laws regarding training vary widely so I have chosen two states, Texas and Delaware, as examples.
Texas
http://www.dps.texas.gov/RSD/CHL/LicenseRegistration/chlQualCourse.pdf
An original (first-time) CHL applicant must complete four to six hours of classroom training, pass a written examination and pass
a proficiency demonstration (shooting). All classroom and proficiency must be conducted by a CHL instructor certified by DPS.
See CHL Qualification Course Requirements (PDF) for the proficiency demonstration requirements. There are four (4) required
topics: Use of Force, Non-Violent Dispute Resolution, Handgun Use, and Safe and Proper Storage of Handguns and
Ammunition.
Delaware
Standards held by the state of Delaware:
Instruction regarding knowledge and safe handling of firearms;
Instruction regarding safe storage of firearms and child safety
Instruction regarding knowledge and safe handling of ammunition;
Instruction regarding safe storage of ammunition and child safety;
Instruction regarding safe firearms shooting fundamentals;
Live fire shooting exercises conducted on a range, including the expenditure of a minimum of 100 rounds
of ammunition;
Identification of ways to develop and maintain firearm shooting skills;
Instruction regarding federal and state laws pertaining to the lawful purchase, ownership, transportation,
use and possession of firearms;
Instruction regarding the laws of this State pertaining to the use of deadly force for self defense;
Instruction regarding techniques for avoiding a criminal attack and how to manage a violent confrontation,
including conflict resolution.
States with waiting periods
http://smartgunlaws.org/waiting-periods-policy-summary/
States Imposing Waiting Periods for Purchases of All Firearms
California (10 days)
District of Columbia (10 days)
Hawaii (14 days)
Illinois (24 hours) (long guns); 72 hours (handguns)
Rhode Island (7 days)
States Imposing Waiting Periods for Purchases of Handguns and Assault Weapons

Minnesota (7 days)
States Imposing Waiting Periods for Handguns Only
Florida (3 days)
Iowa (3 days)
Maryland (7 days)
New Jersey (7 days)

States with microstamping or ballistic imaging

http://smartgunlaws.org/microstamping-ballistic-identification-policy-summary/
California and the District of Columbia have adopted microstamping requirements for handguns. Maryland has created a
statewide ballistics imaging database for new handguns sold in state, and Connecticut operates a statewide firearms evidence
databank that stores ballistic information on handguns recovered or used by police.

States requiring locking devices

http://smartgunlaws.org/safe-storage-gun-locks-policy-summary/
Eleven states have laws concerning firearm locking devices. Massachusetts is the only state that generally requires that all
firearms be stored with a lock in place; California, Connecticut, and New York impose this requirement in certain situations.
Other state laws regarding locking devices are similar to the federal law, in that they require locking devices to accompany
certain guns manufactured, sold, or transferred. Five of the eleven states also set standards for the design of locking devices or
require them to be approved by a state agency for effectiveness.
State

Firearms Must Be Kept Locks Must Accompany Locks Must Accompany Locks Must Meet
Locked

Dealer Sales

Private Sales

Standards or Be
Approved

California

Sometimes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Connecticut

Sometimes

Handguns only

Handguns only

Yes

Illinois

Handguns only

Maryland

Handguns only

Massachusetts

Yes

Handguns and assault Handguns and assault Yes

weapons only

Michigan

Yes

New Jersey

Handguns only

New York

Sometimes

Yes

Yes

Ohio

Offer only

Pennsylvania

Handguns only

Rhode Island

Handguns only

weapons only

Handguns only
Yes

Federal law regarding locking devices

In October 2005, as part of the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act, Congress passed and the President signed into law
legislation making it unlawful for any licensed importer, manufacturer or dealer to sell or transfer any handgun unless the
transferee is provided with a secure gun storage or safety device.1 The law includes various exceptions, including transfers to
other federal firearms licensees, law enforcement officers, and federal, state or local agencies.2 The legislation does not apply to
transfers by private sellers, and does not require that transferees use the device.
The law also immunizes any person who is in lawful possession and control of a handgun and who uses a secure gun storage or
safety device with the handgun, from a qualified civil liability action.3 Qualified civil liability action is defined as a civil
action for damages resulting from the criminal or unlawful misuse of a handgun by a third party if: 1) the handgun was accessed

by another person who did not have the authorization of the lawful possessor; and 2) at the time the handgun was accessed it had
been made inoperable by the use of a secure gun storage or safety device.4
There are no current federal standards for locking devices.5 On January 16, 2013, President Obama signed a series of executive
orders to address gun violence and school safety in the wake of the Newtown, Connecticut school massacre in December 2012.
One of these orders calls for the Consumer Product Safety Commission to review the effectiveness of gun locks and gun safes,
including existing voluntary industry standards, and take any steps that may be warranted to improve the standards. As stated by
the President: We also need to make sure that gun locks and gun safes work as intended. Several gun locks have been subject to
recall due to their failure to function properly; that is not acceptable.6
1. 18 U.S.C. 922(z)(1). A secure gun storage or safety device is defined under 18 U.S.C. 921(a)(34) as: (A) a device
that, when installed on a firearm, is designed to prevent the firearm from being operated without first deactivating the
device; (B) a device incorporated into the design of the firearm that is designed to prevent the operation of the firearm
by anyone not having access to the device; or (C) a safe, gun safe, gun case, lock box, or other device that is designed
to be or can be used to store a firearm and that is designed to be unlocked only by means of a key, a combination, or
other similar means.
2. 18 U.S.C. 922(z)(2).
3. 18 U.S.C. 922(z)(3)(A).
4. 18 U.S.C. 922(z)(3)(C).
5. The federal Consumer Product Safety Act, which imposes health and safety standards on consumer products, exempts
firearms and ammunition from its requirements. 15 U.S.C. 2052(a)(5)(E), referencing 26 U.S.C. 4181 et seq.
Therefore, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has no authority to mandate that firearms include locking
devices. Locking devices themselves, however, are not exempt, and therefore the CPSC has the authority to adopt
national safety standards for locking devices.
6. The White House, Now is the Time: The Presidents Plan to Protect Our Children and Our Communities by Reducing
Gun Violence 10, Jan. 16, 2013, at http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/docs/wh_now_is_the_time_full.pdf.
States requiring a magazine disconnect mechanism or chamber loaded indicator
http://smartgunlaws.org/gun-design-safety-standards-policy-summary/
Specific Safety Features Required: California, Massachusetts and New York also define as unsafe handguns those lacking
certain specified safety features that protect users against unintended discharge. Such safety features include safeties to prevent
accidental firing, chamber load indicators, and magazine disconnect mechanisms. A chamber load indicator is a device that
plainly indicates that a cartridge is in the firing chamber. A magazine disconnect mechanism is a mechanism that prevents a
semiautomatic pistol that has a detachable magazine from operating to strike the primer of ammunition in the firing chamber
when a detachable magazine is not inserted in the pistol.1
In California, as of January 1, 2006, an unsafe handgun includes any pistol that does not have either a chamber load indicator
or a magazine disconnect mechanism. As of January 1, 2007, handguns in California are required to have both a chamber load
indicator and, if they have a detachable magazine, a magazine disconnect mechanism. California is the only state that requires
both a chamber load indicator and a magazine safety disconnect. As of January 1, 2010, California requires that all new
semiautomatic pistols be equipped with microstamping technology in order to be sold in California. Detailed information on
microstamping technology is contained in our summary on Microstamping & Ballistic Identification.
Massachusetts requires that all handguns be equipped with a safety device designed to allow use only by the owner or authorized
user of the firearm. Massachusetts also requires all handguns with a mechanism to load cartridges via a magazine to have a
chamber load indicator or magazine disconnect mechanism.
New York requires that all handguns be equipped with a safety device to prevent unintended firing.2
1. See Cal. Penal Code 16900.
2.

Pistols must have a positive, manual or automatically operated safety device to prevent firing. Double-action
revolvers must have a safety feature, that when the trigger is in its most forward position, automatically allows the
firing pin to retract to where it does not connect the primer of a cartridge. N.Y. Comp. Codes R. & Regs. tit. 9,
482.5(f).

States that ban assault weapons

California, Connecticut, New York and the District of Columbia have the most comprehensive approaches to defining assault
weapons. California law bans roughly 75 assault weapon types, models and series by name and provides a one-feature generic

test for rifles and pistols.37 Connecticut bans roughly 70 assault weapon types, models, and series by name and uses a onefeature generic test for rifles and pistols. The District of Columbia includes a list of assault weapon types, models and series by
name that closely follows the California list, and provides a one-feature generic test for rifles, pistols and shotguns. The District
also allows its Chief of Police to designate a firearm as an assault weapon based on a determination that the firearm would pose
the same or similar danger to the residents of the District as other assault weapons. New York has adopted a one-feature test for
assault pistols, shotguns, and rifles.
New Jersey bans roughly 65 assault weapon types, models and series and copies of those weapons by name and uses a onefeature generic test for shotguns.38 Connecticut and New Jersey also ban parts that may be readily assembled into an assault
weapon.
The generic feature tests in other bans, including the expired federal ban, are two-feature tests. Massachusetts use the definition
of assault weapon from the expired federal law, including both the two-feature test and the federal laws list of banned
weapons. Hawaii only bans assault pistols, but not assault rifles or shotguns, and uses the two-feature definition from the federal
law, but does not include a list of named weapons. Maryland uses its own two-feature test and list of named weapons.

California law lists certain firearms that have been deemed assault weapons, including all AK series and Colt AR-15 series.6
Californias Attorney General is required to promulgate a list specifying all such firearms.7 However, a firearm that meets any of
the following descriptions is also an assault weapon:8
A semiautomatic, centerfire rifle that has the capacity to accept a detachable magazine and any one of the following: 1)
a pistol grip that protrudes conspicuously beneath the action of the weapon; 2) a thumbhole stock; 3) a folding or
telescoping stock; 4) a grenade or flare launcher; 5) a flash suppressor; or 6) a forward pistol grip;
A semiautomatic, centerfire rifle that has a fixed magazine with the capacity to accept more than ten rounds;
A semiautomatic, centerfire rifle that has an overall length of less than 30 inches;
A semiautomatic pistol that has the capacity to accept a detachable magazine and any one of the following: 1) a
threaded barrel, capable of accepting a flash suppressor, forward handgrip, or silencer; 2) a second handgrip; 3) a
shroud that is attached to, or partially or completely encircles, the barrel allowing the bearer to fire the weapon without
burning his or her hand, except a slide that encloses the barrel; or 4) the capacity to accept a detachable magazine at
some location outside of the pistol grip;
A semiautomatic pistol with a fixed magazine that has the capacity to accept more than ten rounds;
A semiautomatic shotgun that has both a folding or telescoping stock, and a pistol grip that protrudes conspicuously
beneath the action of the weapon, thumbhole stock, or vertical handgrip;
A semiautomatic shotgun that has the ability to accept a detachable magazine; or
A shotgun with a revolving cylinder.
California, Connecticut, New York and the District of Columbia have the most comprehensive approaches to defining assault
weapons. California law bans roughly 75 assault weapon types, models and series by name and provides a one-feature generic
test for rifles and pistols.37 Connecticut bans roughly 70 assault weapon types, models, and series by name and uses a onefeature generic test for rifles and pistols. The District of Columbia includes a list of assault weapon types, models and series by
name that closely follows the California list, and provides a one-feature generic test for rifles, pistols and shotguns. The District
also allows its Chief of Police to designate a firearm as an assault weapon based on a determination that the firearm would pose
the same or similar danger to the residents of the District as other assault weapons. New York has adopted a one-feature test for
assault pistols, shotguns, and rifles.
New Jersey bans roughly 65 assault weapon types, models and series and copies of those weapons by name and uses a onefeature generic test for shotguns.38 Connecticut and New Jersey also ban parts that may be readily assembled into an assault
weapon.
The generic feature tests in other bans, including the expired federal ban, are two-feature tests. Massachusetts use the definition
of assault weapon from the expired federal law, including both the two-feature test and the federal laws list of banned
weapons. Hawaii only bans assault pistols, but not assault rifles or shotguns, and uses the two-feature definition from the federal
law, but does not include a list of named weapons. Maryland uses its own two-feature test and list of named weapons.