Arms (Prohibited Firearms, Magazines, and Parts) Amendment Act 2019
The Arms (Prohibited Firearms, Magazines, and Parts) Amendment Act 2019 is a piece of legislation enacted in New Zealand. It significantly amended the Arms Act 1983, primarily in response to the Christchurch mosque shootings of March 15, 2019. The Act's main objective was to ban certain types of firearms, magazines, and parts deemed to pose an unacceptable risk to public safety.
Key provisions of the Act include:
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Prohibition of Military-Style Semi-Automatic Firearms (MSSAs): The Act banned most MSSAs, along with certain shotguns and pump-action rifles that could readily be converted into MSSAs. This prohibition extended to parts designed or intended for use in assembling or modifying firearms into prohibited items.
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Magazine Restrictions: The Act imposed strict limitations on magazine capacity for firearms. Magazines exceeding a certain capacity (generally 10 rounds for rifles and shotguns, and 5 rounds for shotguns with a tubular magazine) were prohibited.
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Amnesty and Buy-Back Scheme: Following the enactment, the New Zealand government implemented an amnesty and buy-back scheme, allowing individuals to surrender prohibited firearms and parts to the police in exchange for compensation. This aimed to remove the banned items from circulation.
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Licensing and Regulation: The Act further tightened licensing requirements for firearms owners and introduced stricter penalties for offenses related to prohibited firearms and parts. It also increased the powers of the police in relation to firearms control.
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Exemptions: The Act included certain exemptions, primarily for law enforcement, military, and some professional pest control operators. These exemptions were subject to specific conditions and regulations.
The Arms (Prohibited Firearms, Magazines, and Parts) Amendment Act 2019 represents a substantial change in New Zealand's firearms legislation, intended to reduce the risk of future mass shootings and enhance public safety by restricting access to certain types of weapons. The legislation and its consequences continue to be a subject of debate and discussion in New Zealand.