What is the bill about?
The bill recognises the harm that results from the misuse of semi-automatic firearms. To remove these sorts of firearms from circulation and use by the general population in New Zealand, the bill proposes banning semi-automatic firearms, magazines, and parts that can be used to assemble prohibited (banned) firearms. For the full detail of the items that would be banned under this bill, please read the bill on the legislation.govt.nz website.
Read the Finance and Expenditure Committee’s media release on the bill.
What does the bill mean?
New Zealand’s firearms laws divide types of firearms into different categories. This bill proposes expanding the category of firearms that are prohibited to include most semi-automatic firearms and some shotguns. It will not include firearms commonly used in farming, hunting, and recreational communities. These firearms have a limited magazine capacity.
Some firearms licence holders will be able to apply to the Police for an exemption to the ban to allow them to import, sell, supply, and possess prohibited items.
To allow prohibited items to be removed safely from the community, this bill will set up an amnesty for people to surrender them to licensed dealers and the Police. This will last until 30 September 2019. It applies to firearms, magazines and parts which are moving into the banned category. It also applies to any other guns that people currently have which they are not legally allowed to possess. This is to encourage the return of unlicensed and unwanted firearms, and to reduce the circulation of firearms in communities.
The bill also contains some new offences with penalties ranging from 2 to 10 years’ imprisonment.
Who might the bill affect?
- People in New Zealand who currently own semi-automatic firearms, magazines, and parts that will be banned by this bill
- People in New Zealand who have unwanted or unlicensed guns in their possession
What happens next?
The Arms (Prohibited Firearms, Magazines, and Parts) Amendment Bill was introduced to Parliament on 1 April 2019.
On 2 April it was referred to the Finance and Expenditure committee for consideration. Submissions opened on 2 April 2019, and the committee reported back to Parliament on 8 April.
Read the full report of the Finance and Expenditure Committee.
The bill will have its second reading on 9 April 2019.
