A new bill filed by State Rep. Phil Rubin in the North Carolina House seeks to restrict semiautomatic assault weapons and large capacity ammunition feeding devices to enhance public safety, 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.
Rubin graduated from Duke University School of Law with a JD.
Rubin, a Democrat, was elected to the North Carolina State House in 2025 to represent the state’s 40th House district, replacing previous state representative Joe John.
| Authors | Bill Number | Date Filed | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phil Rubin, Abe Jones, Julia Greenfield, and Renée A. Price | HB 784 | 04/03/2025 | Prohibit Assault Weapons. |
| Phil Rubin, Allen Buansi, Bryan Cohn, and Shelly Willingham | HB 788 | 04/03/2025 | Fix Our Democracy. |
| Phil Rubin, Allison A. Dahle, Amber M. Baker, and Cynthia Ball | HB 691 | 04/02/2025 | Voter Protection and Reliance Act. |
| Phil Rubin, Eric Ager, Jordan Lopez, and Terry M. Brown Jr. | HB 711 | 04/02/2025 | Recovery Support Via Revenue Stabilization. |
| Phil Rubin, Abe Jones, Beth Helfrich, and Tracy Clark | HB 643 | 04/01/2025 | Clarify Firearm Storage Law. |
| Phil Rubin, Brian Turner, Sarah Crawford, and Vernetta Alston | HB 668 | 04/01/2025 | NC Working Families Economic Relief Act. |
| Phil Rubin, Allen Buansi, Allison A. Dahle, and Amber M. Baker | HB 580 | 03/31/2025 | SBOE Legislative Changes.-AB |
| Phil Rubin, Jordan Lopez, Marcia Morey, and Tracy Clark | HB 583 | 03/31/2025 | Law Enforcement/Destroy Certain Firearms. |
| Phil Rubin, Brandon Lofton, Cynthia Ball, and Rodney D. Pierce | HB 608 | 03/31/2025 | Protect Health and Gov’t Personnel Info. |
| Phil Rubin, Jordan Lopez, Pricey Harrison, and Tracy Clark | HB 545 | 03/26/2025 | Ban Ghost Guns & Undetectable Firearms. |
| Phil Rubin, Bryan Cohn, James Roberson, and Kanika Brown | HB 548 | 03/26/2025 | NC Economic Progress and Well-Being. |
| Phil Rubin, Jordan Lopez, Pricey Harrison, and Tracy Clark | HB 350 | 03/10/2025 | Report Lost/Stolen Firearm Within 24 Hours. |
| Phil Rubin, Matthew Winslow, Mike Schietzelt, and Robert T. Reives, II | HB 360 | 03/10/2025 | Homeowner Protection Act. |
| Phil Rubin, Deb Butler, Jordan Lopez, and Mary Belk | HB 174 | 02/21/2025 | Marriage Equality Act. |
| Phil Rubin, Deb Butler, Jordan Lopez, and Mary Belk | HB 175 | 02/21/2025 | Const. Amend./Marriage Equality. |
| Phil Rubin, Abe Jones, Marcia Morey, and Tim Longest | HB 129 | 02/13/2025 | Judge Joe John Nonpartisan Jud. Elections Act. |
