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36-0144

An act amending title 14 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 113 to define and prohibit assault rifles, ban suppressors and silencers, and requiring safety training for licensed rifles and shotgun holders; prohibiting large-capacity magazines and preventing the illegal sales of firearms, firearm accessories and ammunition

2025-2026 Regular Session

VI bill defines assault rifles, bans suppressors, requires safety training for rifle/shotgun licensees, bans large-capacity magazines, and tightens illegal firearm sales controls.

Introduced
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · 36-0144

Summary of Bill 36-0144 (Virgin Islands)

Overview

  • Bill Number: 36-0144
  • Title: An act amending Title 14 Virgin Islands Code, Chapter 113 to define and prohibit assault rifles, ban suppressors and silencers, and require safety training for licensed rifles and shotgun holders; prohibiting large-capacity magazines and preventing the illegal sales of firearms, firearm accessories, and ammunition
  • Status: Introduced
  • Introduced: April 8, 2025
  • Classification: Legislative bill

Legislative History and Timeline

  • 2025-04-08: Received and Assigned
  • 2025-08-04: Referred to Senate (to Senate)
  • 2025-08-26: Listed as Introduced (indicating further action or reintroduction in the legislative process)

Purpose and Intent

The bill aims to regulate firearms more strictly in the Virgin Islands by:
- Defining and prohibiting assault rifles
- Banning the use or possession of suppressors and silencers
- Requiring safety training for individuals who hold licenses to own rifles or shotguns
- Prohibiting large-capacity magazines
- Strengthening controls to prevent illegal sales of firearms, firearm accessories, and ammunition

Key Provisions (as indicated by the title)

Note: The specific text of the bill would provide precise definitions, penalties, and implementation details. The summaries below reflect the bill’s stated scope.

  • Definitions: Establish a formal definition of “assault rifles” for enforcement purposes within Title 14, Chapter 113.
  • Prohibitions on Firearm Devices: Ban on suppressors and silencers.
  • Training Requirements: Imposition of mandatory safety training for individuals holding licenses to possess rifles and shotguns.
  • Magazines: Prohibition on large-capacity magazines (the bill would specify the magazine size threshold in the enacted text).
  • Illegal Sales: Provisions to prevent illegal sales of firearms, firearm accessories, and ammunition—likely including penalties, licensing, recordkeeping, and enforcement mechanisms.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Gun License Holders: Rifle and shotgun licensees would be subject to new safety training requirements.
  • Firearm Owners: Possession of assault rifles and suppressors would be regulated or prohibited.
  • Retailers and Dealers: Businesses involved in the sale of firearms, accessories, and ammunition may face heightened compliance, recordkeeping, and enforcement requirements.
  • Collectors and Enthusiasts: Potentially affected if certain firearms or accessories fall under the new prohibitions or definitions.
  • Enforcement Agencies: Law enforcement and regulatory agencies would enforce the new prohibitions, training requirements, and illegal sales provisions.

Implementation and Compliance

  • The bill envisions changes to Title 14, Virgin Islands Code, Chapter 113, with a timeline dependent on enactment and regulatory rulemaking (specific dates and phase-in periods would be set in the final text or implementing regulations).
  • Training programs and license processes would be updated to reflect new requirements.

Potential Impacts to Note

  • Enhanced public safety measures through defined prohibitions and training
  • Increased regulatory compliance requirements for licensees, dealers, and manufacturers
  • Possible transition period for owners of affected firearms and accessories
  • Law enforcement and prosecutorial responsibilities may expand to address illegal sales and prohibited items

If you would like, I can tailor this summary to focus on specific sections (e.g., definitions, penalties, or enforcement mechanisms) once the full bill text is available.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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