SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5844

BYSenators Talmadge, Williams, Niemi, Vognild, Warnke and Murray

Revising the definition of "machine gun."

Senate Committee on Law & Justice

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 21, 1989

Senate Staff:Jon Carlson (786-7959)

AS OF FEBRUARY 17, 1989

BACKGROUND:

There have been media reports on injuries and deaths caused by the use of semi-automatic assault firearms.  In view of this, it is suggested that the laws regarding the possession of these firearms be reexamined.

SUMMARY:

The definition of machine gun is amended to include any firearm other than a short firearm or pistol, which is designed to fire centerfire ammunition and which meets one of the following conditions:  (1) the firearm is automatically fed after each discharge from a clip or other separable device having a capacity greater than nine cartridges; or (2) the firearm is automatically fed from a self-contained magazine within the firearm that holds more than nine cartridges.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested