9 States Banning Assault Weapons in 2026

Published on December 29, 2025
Duration: 13:05

This video from Line45, hosted by Ted, breaks down how nine states are implementing new laws affecting AR and AK owners in 2026. It details specific restrictions like possession bans, re-registration requirements, storage mandates, and eligibility cards in states including Rhode Island, Colorado, California, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maryland, and Washington. The content emphasizes the importance of understanding state-specific definitions of 'assault weapon' and proactively ensuring compliance to avoid legal repercussions.

Quick Summary

Nine states are implementing significant changes to firearm laws affecting AR and AK owners in 2026. These changes include new possession restrictions, re-registration mandates, storage requirements, and eligibility card necessities, impacting states like Rhode Island, Colorado, California, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maryland, and Washington. Owners must proactively understand their state's specific definitions and compliance requirements to avoid legal issues.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: 2026 State Laws
  2. 00:43The 2026 Landscape for AR/AK Owners
  3. 01:13How States Define 'Assault Weapon'
  4. 02:12Rhode Island: New Possession Restrictions
  5. 03:39Colorado: Eligibility for Semi-Autos
  6. 05:04California: Pistol Conversion Rules
  7. 06:40New York: Re-registration Deadline
  8. 08:12New Jersey & Massachusetts: Tightening Bans
  9. 09:43CT, MD, WA: Audits & Expanding Lists
  10. 11:36What Owners Must Do Before 2026
  11. 12:37Legal Challenges & Staying Compliant

Frequently Asked Questions

Which states are banning or restricting assault weapons in 2026?

In 2026, Rhode Island, Colorado, California, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maryland, and Washington are implementing new laws that could affect AR and AK owners through bans, re-registration, storage mandates, or eligibility requirements.

How do states typically define 'assault weapons' for legal purposes?

States often define 'assault weapons' not by their rate of fire, but by specific feature combinations. These can include pistol grips, folding or telescoping stocks, flash hiders, threaded barrels, barrel shrouds, or certain magazine configurations.

What are the key compliance actions for AR/AK owners before 2026?

Owners should conduct a detailed inventory of their firearms, verify state-specific definitions, ensure all registrations and paperwork are current, upgrade storage to meet new mandates, and have a plan for any firearms that might be reclassified as prohibited.

What is the impact of Colorado's new firearm safety eligibility card?

Starting August 1, 2026, Colorado will require a firearm safety eligibility card for most semi-automatic firearms with detachable magazines. This involves completing a safety class and background check, adding an extra step and cost for future purchases.

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