D.C. Law 25-119. Self-Defense Spray Sale and Transfer Clarification Temporary Amendment Act of 2023.

AN ACT

To amend, on a temporary basis, the Firearms Control Regulations Act of 1975 to allow a person to transfer, offer for sale, sell, gift, or deliver a self-defense spray.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this act may be cited as the "Self-Defense Spray Sale and Transfer Clarification Temporary Amendment Act of 2023".

Sec. 2. The Firearms Control Regulations Act of 1975, effective September 24, 1976 (D.C. Law 1-85; D.C. Official Code § 7-2501.01 et seq.), is amended by adding a new section 213a to read as follows:

"Sec. 213a. Sale of self-defense sprays.

"Notwithstanding any other provision of this act, a person may transfer, offer for sale, sell, give, or deliver a self-defense spray to another person in the District for the purposes set forth in section 213; provided, that the self-defense spray is propelled from an aerosol container, labeled with or accompanied by clearly written instructions as to its use, and dated to indicate its anticipated useful life.".

Sec. 3. Fiscal impact statement.

The Council adopts the fiscal impact statement of the Budget Director as the fiscal impact statement required by section 4a of the General Legislative Procedures Act of 1975, approved October 16, 2006 (120 Stat. 2038; D.C. Official Code § 1-301.47a).

Sec. 4. Effective date.

(a) This act shall take effect following approval by the Mayor (or in the event of veto by the Mayor, action by the Council to override the veto), a 30-day period of congressional review as provided in section 602(c)(1) of the District of Columbia Home Rule Act, approved December 24, 1973 (87 Stat. 813; D.C. Official Code § 1-206.02(c)(1)), and publication in the District of Columbia Register.

(b) This act shall expire after 225 days of its having taken effect.

Law Information

Cites

  • D.C. Law 25-119 (PDF)
  • 70 DCR 15731

Effective

Feb. 6, 2024

Legislative History (LIMS)

Law 25-119, the “Self-Defense Spray Sale and Transfer Clarification Temporary Amendment Act of 2023,” was introduced in the Council and assigned Bill No. 25-561 which was retained by the Council. The bill was adopted on first and second readings on Nov. 7, 2023, and Nov. 21, 2023, respectively. After mayoral review, it was assigned Act No. 25-325 on Dec. 7, 2023, and transmitted to Congress for its review. D.C. Law 25-119 became effective Feb. 6, 2024.