What States Ban Bump Stocks?
The debate on firearms regulation has been a persistent issue in the United States, with various controversies arising from mass shootings, and the government’s ability to effectively implement laws that govern the ownership and usage of firearms. One contentious aspect of the debate has centered around bump stocks, which are accessories used to alter the behavior of semi-automatic firearms.
Definition of Bump Stocks
For those unfamiliar, bump stocks are attachment devices that enable a semiautomatic rifle to cycle repeatedly, mimicking a machine gun. They rely on the stock’s unique mechanics to make the firing pin strike the cartridge faster and more quickly than manual hand cycling would allow.
To answer the question "What states ban bump stocks?," we first need to provide some historical context:
Pre-Ban Legality (2016)
In 2010, a federal appeals court ruled that bump stocks fell outside the scope of machine gun bans, finding they did not meet the requirements for an automatic firing system. The ruling granted regulatory oversight to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS).
Post- Las Vegas and Sandy Hook incidents, political support for restricting bump stock attachments grew, leading Congress and individual states to initiate banning efforts. In the US, each state retains distinct authority over firearms control; 41 states have opted into the Federal Gun Violence Action Plan (FGVAH).
Post-Lawsuit Ruling and Court Appeals (2017)
Following a 2010 court decision, allowing ownership of bump stocks to proliferate, public outcry triggered reconsideration by lawmakers.
Several states implemented bans between April 2018 to February 2019: Wisconsin, Nevada, Mississippi, New Mexico, Indiana, Maryland, and Arizona issued executive orders or legislature signed bills effectively prohibiting sales.
List of States banning Bump Stocks: Here are
• Arizona
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Florida
• Idaho
• Indiana
• Maine
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Mississippi
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New Mexico
• New Jersey
• New York
• North Dakota
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• Texas
• Tennessee
• Utah
• Vermont
• Washington, D.C.
• Wyoming
• Alaska, Virginia, Iowa, Arizona’s executive orders
and banned by specific cities/local govt.: Chicago
Additionally, Congress passed an amendments of gun laws (2017/2018) on the same day November 28, 2017, both allowing the attachment of gun magazines and extending the age eligibility for a background check as part of the USA***Fix NICS act.
In June 2021, federal law declared some bump stock devices ‘as illegal after a Federal High Court overturned the regulation imposed by a previous attorney on October 31.
With 21 states so far banned this device without being subject to the full process, only 28 in total do not prevent further action regarding bump fire gun stocks as of early last year
List of States That Do Not Prohibit Bump Stocks
Here are 21 states which have refrained from taking action towards their prohibition. These States do not ban, neither prohibit their sale/production, bump stocks but individual local govts/Courts or cities impose:
Arkansas
Colorado
District
Florida’s
Michigan*
Mississippi
Louisiana
Nevada.
