Politisphere

S. 1531: Assault Weapons Ban of 2025

A Senate bill (S.) in the 119th U.S. Congress.

Overview

Congress119th U.S. Congress (2025–2026)
TypeSenate bill (S.)
Originating chamberSenate
Introduced2025-04-30
SponsorSen. Schiff, Adam B. [D-CA]
Policy areaCrime and Law Enforcement
Cosponsors20
Latest action2025-04-30 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Last updated2026-02-23

Summary

Official summary (Introduced in Senate, 2025-04-30):

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. A licensed gun dealer must conduct a background check prior to the sale or transfer of a grandfathered SAW between private parties.

The bill permits continued possession of, but prohibits sale or transfer of, a grandfathered LCAFD.

Newly manufactured LCAFDs must display serial number identification. Newly manufactured SAWs and LCAFDs must display the date of manufacture.

The bill also allows a state or local government to use Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program funds to compensate individuals who surrender a SAW or LCAFD under a buy-back program.

Cosponsors (20)

NameParty / state
Christopher Murphy D CT (original cosponsor) 2025-04-30
Richard Blumenthal D CT (original cosponsor) 2025-04-30
Alex Padilla D CA (original cosponsor) 2025-04-30
Angela D. Alsobrooks D MD (original cosponsor) 2025-04-30
Tammy Baldwin D WI (original cosponsor) 2025-04-30
Michael F. Bennet D CO (original cosponsor) 2025-04-30
Lisa Blunt Rochester D DE (original cosponsor) 2025-04-30
Cory A. Booker D NJ (original cosponsor) 2025-04-30
Maria Cantwell D WA (original cosponsor) 2025-04-30
Christopher A. Coons D DE (original cosponsor) 2025-04-30
Tammy Duckworth D IL (original cosponsor) 2025-04-30
Richard J. Durbin D IL (original cosponsor) 2025-04-30
John Fetterman D PA (original cosponsor) 2025-04-30
Ruben Gallego D AZ (original cosponsor) 2025-04-30
Kirsten E. Gillibrand D NY (original cosponsor) 2025-04-30
Margaret Wood Hassan D NH (original cosponsor) 2025-04-30
John W. Hickenlooper D CO (original cosponsor) 2025-04-30
Mazie K. Hirono D HI (original cosponsor) 2025-04-30
Tim Kaine D VA (original cosponsor) 2025-04-30
Andy Kim D NJ (original cosponsor) 2025-04-30

Full text & official record

The official bill text, section-by-section summary, amendments, committee reports, and the complete legislative timeline for S. 1531 are published by Congress on congress.gov.

View S. 1531 on congress.gov →

Frequently asked questions

What is S. 1531?

S. 1531 is a Senate bill (S.) introduced in the 119th U.S. Congress, originating in the Senate. Official title: Assault Weapons Ban of 2025.

Where can I read the full bill text?

The full text, cosponsors, amendments, and legislative status for S. 1531 are available on congress.gov.

Bill data: congress.gov API (official congressional records).