Bill > S00399

This bill makes it illegal for certain individuals to possess or sell a "pistol converter," which is a device that, when attached to a semi-automatic pistol, allows it to fire rapidly or automatically with a single trigger pull, and also defines and regulates "convertible pistols." A convertible pistol is defined as a semi-automatic pistol with a specific internal part called a "cruciform trigger bar" that can be easily modified with common household tools to function as a machine-gun when a pistol converter is attached; this definition excludes hammer-fired semi-automatic pistols and clarifies that minor modifications to the pistol frame do not prevent it from being classified as convertible if the modification can be easily removed. The bill makes it a felony for anyone to manufacture, dispose of, transport, or ship a pistol converter or a convertible pistol, with some exceptions for law enforcement, military personnel, and licensed gunsmiths or dealers. Additionally, the Superintendent of State Police is directed to create and publish a list of pistols that are determined to be convertible.