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Committee reviews language clarifying air rifles and projectiles in weapons bill
Summary
Members discussed clarifications to statutory language that would add air rifles and related projectile definitions, remove a specific .22-caliber limitation, and address possession questions for convicted felons; staff characterized the changes as clarifying rather than substantive.
The committee reviewed draft language amending statutes that govern shooting from motor vehicles or aircraft and definitions for air rifles and related projectiles.
Staff described clarifying edits: the draft would explicitly add air rifles and similar devices to the list of covered weapons and remove a specific reference tying "air rifle" to a .22-caliber device, noting larger-caliber air-powered devices exist. Staff said language on loaded shotguns and other projectiles was adjusted for clarity to capture nonstandard projectiles.
Committee members asked whether convicted felons could possess some devices, and staff responded that possession rules for certain historical or modern muzzleloaders differ from standard firearm prohibitions and that similar questions may arise for air-powered devices; the committee did not take a formal position in the session.
Staff described the edits as clarifying and said the committee would see similar language in related bills as the session continues; no votes or formal amendments were recorded in the meeting excerpt.
