The bill amends current law regarding the confiscation, seizure and forfeiture of machine guns, so that the same procedures and due process apply to the confiscation, seizure and forfeiture of assault weapons and .50 caliber rifles and ammunition. Machine guns, assault weapons and .50 caliber rifles and ammunition manufactured, acquired, transferred or possessed in accordance with the National Firearms Act, as amended, are exempt from these laws.

The crime of knowingly manufacturing, transferring or possessing an assault weapon or .50 caliber rifle or ammunition does not apply to any law enforcement officer of the State, any law enforcement officer of another state or a territory of the United States or a member of the Armed Forces, Maine National Guard or Maine State Guard who possesses an assault weapon or .50 caliber rifle or ammunition if the possession or carrying of the weapon or .50 caliber ammunition is in the discharge of that person's official duties and has been authorized by that person's appointing authority.