Supreme Court to Review Semiautomatic Rifle Bans

Why it matters locally: California is one of seven states with current bans on certain semiautomatic rifles, meaning a Supreme Court decision could directly impact existing state laws and firearm regulations within California.

Washington D.C. — The Supreme Court has agreed to consider whether state-level prohibitions on semiautomatic rifles comply with the Second Amendment. These firearms are frequently termed "assault weapons" in public discourse. Legal challenges to these bans contend that they infringe upon constitutional gun rights. Proponents of the bans argue that regulating these specific types of firearms serves a compelling public safety interest. The Court's decision to take up this issue follows a period where it has issued rulings that broadened the interpretation of gun rights. This current case marks a direct examination of a specific category of firearm restriction.