Bill > H1621

This bill modifies Florida law to expand the definition of a "machine gun" and create new penalties for bump stocks, which are firearm accessories that can increase a weapon's rate of fire to mimic automatic weapon fire. Specifically, the bill amends the legal definition of a machine gun to include not just firearms that shoot automatically with a single trigger pull, but also any firearm modified with a conversion kit, tool, or device that alters the weapon's rate of fire to simulate automatic weapon fire. Additionally, the bill adds a new offense related to bump-fire stocks to the Criminal Punishment Code's severity ranking chart, classifying prohibited acts involving bump stocks as a third-degree felony. This means that possessing, manufacturing, or using bump stocks would now be considered a criminal offense in Florida, with potential legal consequences. The changes are set to take effect on July 1, 2025, giving time for law enforcement and the public to become aware of the new regulations. The primary goal appears to be restricting access to devices that can effectively convert semi-automatic weapons to function more like fully automatic weapons, which are generally more tightly regulated.