Bill > S2359

This bill, the Defend Our Capital Act of 2015, aims to restore Second Amendment rights in the District of Columbia by significantly altering existing firearm laws. Key provisions include establishing a process for issuing licenses to carry firearms that are valid for at least five years, allowing individuals to carry firearms in most places within the District unless otherwise prohibited, and recognizing concealed firearm licenses from other states. The bill also addresses firearms on Department of Defense property and military installations, allowing members of the Armed Forces to possess firearms in accordance with state laws. Furthermore, it seeks to reform the District of Columbia Council's authority to restrict firearms, repeals the ban on semi-automatic firearms, and removes registration requirements for most firearms, while also authorizing ammunition sales. The bill also repeals redundant dealer licensing requirements, harmonizes District law with federal law regarding ammunition possession, restores the right of self-defense in the home, and removes criminal penalties for possessing unregistered firearms and certain ammunition. Finally, it clarifies definitions for various firearm types, regulates the prohibition of firearms from private and sensitive public property, includes toy and antique pistols in prohibitions against using imitation firearms in crimes, repeals the gun offender registry, and repeals several specific District of Columbia acts related to firearms.