(CMR) A Bill seeking an extensive amendment to the Firearms Act, which includes expanding the definition of firearms to include privately made firearms created by a three-dimensional (3D) printer, is expected to go before Parliament next month.
According to the draft, this Bill seeks to amend the Firearms Act (2008 Revision) to address some of the current challenges faced in enforcing the law relating to firearms. The Bill provides for amendments to the definitions of words used in the legislation and the introduction of new prohibitions and offenses.
The Bill also empowers the Commissioner to collect ballistic signatures and information relating to firearms in the Islands.
Included in the proposed definition of the word “firearm” are (a) prohibited weapons; (b) privately made firearms that are created by a three-dimensional (3D) printer; (c) firearm parts kits that are designed to be assembled to expel bullets; (d) any accessory to a firearm that is designed to diminish the noise or flash caused by firing it; and (e) any part or component of any firearm including a “privately made firearm” which is created by a 3D printer or otherwise created through the use of electronic software or downloadable files.
The inclusion of privately made firearms created using 3D or three-dimensional printing technology is in recognition of the global challenge being faced by law enforcement, where access to software facilitates the printing of firearms using easily accessible 3D printers.
The legislation introduces new offenses in several clauses to address challenges faced by law enforcement, including the import and export of prohibited devices and prohibited weapons.
The Act is to be amended to prohibit the importation and exportation from the Islands of prohibited devices and weapons.
It also empowers the Cabinet, by Order published in the Gazette, to permit the importation of specified prohibited devices as it sees fit. The clause further provides that an offense in relation to importation is not committed where the prohibited device is a specified prohibited device permitted by an Order made by the Cabinet.
Proposed changes still give travelers option to declare weapons on arrival
The Act will also require a traveler to declare possession of a firearm, ammunition, or bulletproof vest upon arrival in the Islands. A traveler who intends to utilize the traveler’s option shall either notify the Commissioner of the traveler’s intention to retain the firearm, ammunition, or bullet-proof vest on board the vessel or aircraft on which the traveler arrived or obtain the written approval of the Commissioner prior to the traveler’s arrival in the Islands for the retention of firearms, ammunition, or bullet-proof vests by Customs and Border Control.
Proposed changes also include increased minimum sentences for firearm-related offenses, with a maximum of 35 years in prison.
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