Rep. Greenfield files bill in North Carolina House to restrict semiautomatic assault weapons

A new bill filed by State Rep. Julia Greenfield in the North Carolina House seeks to ban specific semiautomatic assault weapons and large capacity ammunition feeding devices in the state, according to the North Carolina State House.

The bill, filed as HB 784 on April 3 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘Prohibit Assault Weapons.’

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, this bill aims to prohibit the manufacture, transfer, and possession of semiautomatic assault weapons and large capacity ammunition feeding devices in North Carolina. It outlines definitions, prohibitions, exceptions, and penalties related to these items. A semiautomatic assault weapon includes specific listed models and firearms with detachable magazines and additional features. A large capacity ammunition feeding device holds more than 10 rounds of ammunition. Exceptions include weapons lawfully possessed before the effective date, those permanently inoperable or antique, and usage by the government or law enforcement. The bill mandates serial numbers indicating manufacture dates for new weapons and devices. Violating this law constitutes a Class E felony. The act takes effect Dec. 1, 2025.

Of the four sponsors of this bill, Renée A. Price proposed the most bills (27) during the 2025 regular session.

Bills in North Carolina follow a multi-step process before becoming law. A lawmaker starts by filing a bill, which is assigned to a committee for review. The bill must be read three times in each chamber. If one chamber changes the bill after the other passes it, both must agree on the final version. Once both chambers approve the same bill, it goes to the governor, who has 10 days (or 30 if the legislature is not in session) to sign, veto, or let it become law without a signature.

You can read more about the bills and other measures here.

Greenfield graduated from Appalachian State University in 1982 with a BA.

Greenfield, a Democrat, was elected to the North Carolina State House in 2025 to represent the state’s 100th House district, replacing previous state representative John Autry.