Provides that a person over 18 yrs can purchase/possess a stun gun or electronic dart gun, prohibits sale of a stun gun or electronic dart gun to anyone under18 yrs, and criminalizes the use of a stun gun or electronic dart gun in any criminal offense.
Impact
The bill significantly alters existing state laws concerning weapons. By amending the relevant chapters of the General Laws regarding weapon definitions and regulations, S1154 establishes clear legal parameters for stun guns and electronic dart guns. Additionally, it introduces severe penalties for violations, including felony charges for selling these items to minors or for using them during the commission of a crime. This change aims to enhance public safety and reduce the potential for violence involving these items. The amendments to the laws will require adjustments both from sellers and law enforcement agencies in how they handle incidents related to these devices.
Summary
Bill S1154 aims to regulate the purchase and possession of stun guns and electronic dart guns in the state. Under this legislation, individuals who are eighteen years of age or older are allowed to purchase and possess these weapons. Conversely, the bill prohibits the sale of stun guns or electronic dart guns to anyone under the age of eighteen, thus establishing an age restriction to prevent minors from accessing these potentially harmful devices. The intent behind this legislation is to provide a legal framework for the ownership of these non-lethal weapons while ensuring that they are not misused by younger individuals.
Contention
Notably, the bill also criminalizes the use of stun guns or electronic dart guns in any criminal offense, particularly against police officers actively engaged in their duties. This strict stance on misuse could foster contention among various groups, especially in debates around self-defense and the rights of citizens to protect themselves. Law enforcement organizations may support the bill for enhancing their ability to respond to threats during interactions with potentially armed individuals, while advocacy groups may express concerns about the implications this has for civil liberties and personal safety. The balance between ensuring safety and preserving individual rights is likely to be a central theme in discussions surrounding this bill.
Defines "crime gun" and requires law enforcement to submit crime gun or 2 fired cartridge cases seized to state crime laboratory or the BATF for testing and tracing and also requires 2 test-fired cartridge cases to be entered into NIBIN.
Defines "crime gun" and requires law enforcement to submit crime gun or 2 fired cartridge cases seized to state crime laboratory or the BATF for testing and tracing and also requires 2 test-fired cartridge cases to be entered into NIBIN.
Bans the possession, sale, and transfer of assault weapons. Possession of assault weapons owned on the effective date of this act to be "grandfathered". Violations are punishable by a fine or imprisonment.
Bans the possession, sale, and transfer of assault weapons. Possession of assault weapons owned on the effective date of this act to be "grandfathered". Violations are punishable by a fine or imprisonment.
Defines suitable person, establishes reasons for applying for concealed carry permit, establishes what information is required on applications, establishes appeal process for denials, provides that records are not public permits hunting with suppressor.
Defines suitable person and establishes reasons for applying for carry permit, establishes what information is required on applications, establishes appeal process if application denied and provides that records are not public.
Expands firearm rights to recognize out of state carry permits, authorizes weapons carried during emergency evacuation and establishes an appeal process for permit denied.
Relating to appointment of and performance of notarial acts by an online notary public and online acknowledgment and proof of written instruments; authorizing a fee and creating a criminal offense.