Rep. Luria Votes to Keep Dangerous Weapons off Our Streets, Protect Communities, and Save Lives

WASHINGTON, D.C.— Rep. Elaine Luria (D-VA) voted for the Assault Weapons Ban of 2021 today to reduce the prevalence of assault weapons and high-capacity magazines and reduce the lives lost to gun violence and make our communities safer. 

The legislation prohibits the sale, manufacture, transfer, or possession of semiautomatic assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. The prohibition does not apply to the possession, sale or transfer of any semiautomatic assault weapon lawfully possessed on the date of enactment.

“As a 20-year Navy veteran, I am a firm believer that we must strike the right balance between responsible gun ownership and keeping our communities, churches, and schools safe,” Rep. Luria said. “Assault weapons and high-capacity magazines have enabled mass shooters to deal maximum death and damage, and I urge the Senate to act on this legislation to save lives.”

Rep. David Cicilline (D-RI) introduced the bill on March 11, 2021. The Judiciary Committee then reported the bill to the House on July 20, by a party-line vote of 25 to 18. 

The bill currently has 212 cosponsors. 

Key Provisions of the Bill

• Similar to the 1994 ban, H.R. 1808, the Assault Weapons Ban of 2021, prohibits the sale, manufacture, transfer, or possession of semiautomatic assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. 
• The prohibition does not apply to the possession, sale or transfer of any semiautomatic assault weapon lawfully possessed on the date of enactment (a grandfathered semiautomatic assault weapon.)
• The bill also allows for the transfer of grandfathered semiautomatic assault weapons through a federal firearms licensee following a background check using the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). 
• Importantly, the bill requires that semiautomatic assault weapons be securely stored so that they are not accessible to those who are prohibited from possessing them.
• The bill allows states to use Byrne Justice Assistance Grant funds for voluntary buyback programs for semiautomatic assault weapons and high-capacity magazines.
• Like its predecessor, the bill is intended to gradually reduce the prevalence of the deadliest tactical weapons, while containing numerous provisions that protect the rights of hunters, gun collectors, farmers, sport shooters, and those who use firearms for self-defense.
• Like the 1994-2004 ban, the bill includes exemptions for specific uses such as law enforcement, nuclear security, and testing authorized by the Attorney General.
• The bill also allows for temporary transfers without a background check for target shooting at a licensed target facility or established range.
• The bill specifies that the bill’s restrictions do not apply to antique firearms and more than 2,000 specified models of hunting and sporting firearms.