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Factbox: Last US Gun Control Legislation

VOA News

   The last time the U.S. government passed a gun control bill was 25
   years ago.

   The bill: Federal Assault Weapons Ban

   Year passed:1994

   Provisions: It banned the manufacture, transfer or possession of
   "semiautomatic assault weapons," defined as military-style assault
   weapons, including the AR-15.

   Effect: A recent study found mass shooting fatalities were 70% less
   likely to occur while the ban was in place.

   Expiration: The ban expired in 2004, as was stipulated in the
   legislation.

   Reintroduction: Several attempts were made to re-enact the ban,
   including after the 2013 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, which
   killed 26 people, including 20 children. It was never was renewed.

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