{"kind":"expression","expression":{"expr_id":"2327","doc_id":"2327","label":"Firearms (Amendment) Act, 2024 (Act 5 of 2024)","is_as_enacted":"f","commenced_on":null,"superseded_on":null,"valid_from":null,"valid_to":null,"is_current":"t","incorporating":null,"akn_expr_iri":"\/akn\/ky\/bill\/2024\/5\/eng@2024-01-01","akn_envelope":"{\"_canary\": {\"iri\": {\"work\": \"\/akn\/ky\/bill\/2024\/5\", \"expression\": \"\/akn\/ky\/bill\/2024\/5\/eng@2024-01-01\", \"manifestation\": \"\/akn\/ky\/bill\/2024\/5\/eng@2024-01-01.pdf\"}, \"pdf\": {\"md5\": \"90baa86929f06dde35f1892a25dc7839\", \"path\": \"\/Users\/q\/kyleg-data\/working\/BILLS\/2024\/2024-0005\/2024-0005.pdf\", \"pages\": 25, \"filename\": \"2024-0005.pdf\"}, \"errors\": [], \"extraction\": {\"model\": null, \"stats\": {\"word_count\": 7386, \"paragraph_count\": 27, \"text_char_count\": 47067}, \"usage\": null, \"method\": \"pymupdf-text\", \"version\": \"kyleg-akn-1.0\", \"extracted_at\": \"2026-06-22\"}, \"classification\": \"text_layer\", \"validation_flags\": [], \"docai_processor_id\": null}, \"akomaNtoso\": {\"act\": null, \"doc\": null, \"bill\": {\"body\": [{\"eId\": \"sec_n1\", \"num\": null, \"text\": \"FIREARMS (AMENDMENT) BILL, 2024 A BILL FOR AN ACT TO AMEND THE FIREARMS ACT (2008 REVISION) TO AMEND THE DEFINITION OF \u201cFIREARM\u201d; TO PROVIDE DEFINITIONS FOR, AMONG OTHER WORDS, \u201cPRIVATELY MADE FIREARM\u201d, \u201cPROHIBITED DEVICE\u201d AND \u201cPROHIBITED WEAPON\u201d; TO PROVIDE FOR OFFENCES RELATING TO, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE IMPORTATION OF PROHIBITED DEVICES AND PROHIBITED WEAPONS; TO PROVIDE FOR THE BAN ON THE MANUFACTURE OF FIREARMS AND THE ALTERATION OR CONVERSION OF FIREARMS; TO EMPOWER THE COMMISSIONER TO COLLECT BALLISTIC SIGNATURES AND INFORMATION RELATING TO FIREARMS IN THE ISLANDS; AND FOR INCIDENTAL AND CONNECTED PURPOSES Introduced PUBLISHING DETAILS Sponsoring Ministry\/Portfolio: Portfolio of Legal Affairs (PLA) Firearms (Amendment) Bill, 2024 Objects and Reasons Introduced Memorandum of OBJECTS AND REASONS This Bill seeks to amend the Firearms Act (2008 Revision) (\u201cthe principal Act\u201d) to address some of the current challenges faced in enforcing the law relating to firearms. The Bill provides for amendments to the definitions of words used in the legislation and the introduction of new prohibitions and offences. The Bill also empowers the Commissioner to collect ballistic signatures and information relating to firearms in the Islands. Clause 1 provides the short title of the legislation. Clause 2 amends section 2 of the principal Act to, among other things, provide a new definition of \u201cfirearm\u201d. Included in the proposed definition of the word \u201cfirearm\u201d are \u2014 (a) prohibited weapons; (b) privately made firearms which are created by a three-dimensional printer (\u201c3D printer\u201d); (c) firearm parts kits that are designed to be assembled to expel bullets; (d) any accessory to a firearm that is designed to diminish the noise or flash caused by firing it; and (e) any part or component of any firearm including a \u201cprivately made firearm\u201d which is created by a 3D printer or otherwise created through the use of electronic software or downloadable files. The inclusion of privately made firearms which are created by the use of 3D or threedimensional printing technology is in recognition of the global challenge being faced by law enforcement where access to software facilitates the printing of firearms using easily accessed 3D printers. The definition of \u201cfirearm\u201d in the principal Act currently includes \u201cammunition\u201d. To lend greater clarity to the definitions of \u201cfirearm\u201d and \u201cammunition\u201d, the principal Act is being amended to provide for the definition of \u201cammunition\u201d. One outcome of the amendment of the definition of \u201cfirearm\u201d is that consequential amendments have been made throughout the Bill to insert the word \u201cammunition\u201d in relevant provisions. The legislation introduces new offences in several clauses to address challenges faced by law enforcement. Thus, clause 3, among other things, amends section 3 of the principal Act to provide for offences relating to the import and export of prohibited devices and prohibited weapons. While clause 3 also amends section 3 of the principal Act to provide for a prohibition on the importation and exportation from the Islands of prohibited devices and prohibited weapons, it empowers the Cabinet, by Order published in the Gazette, to permit the Objects and Reasons Firearms (Amendment) Bill, 2024 Introduced importation of specified prohibited devices as it sees fit. The clause further provides that an offence in relation to importation is not committed where the prohibited device is a specified prohibited device permitted by Order made by the Cabinet. Clause 4 repeals and replaces section 4 of the principal Act and deals with the requirement for a traveller to declare possession of a firearm, ammunition or a bullet-proof vest upon arrival in the Islands. Clause 5 amends section 5 of the principal Act to provide that a traveller who intends to utilise the traveller\u2019s option shall either \u2014 (a) notify the Commissioner of the traveller\u2019s intention to retain  the firearm, ammunition or bullet-proof vest on board the vessel or aircraft on which the traveller arrived; or (b) obtain the written approval of the Commissioner prior to the traveller\u2019s arrival in the Islands for the retention of firearm, ammunition or bullet-proof vest by Customs and Border Control. Clause 6 amends section 6 of the principal Act to provide, among other things, that where a traveller fails to provide a permit or the Commissioner\u2019s written approval authorising the importation of the firearm, ammunition or bullet-proof vest in question within the prescribed period of time, the firearm, ammunition or bullet-proof vest may be forfeited to the Crown. Clause 7 amends section 7 of the principal Act to include a reference to ammunition. Clause 8, among other things, amends section 8 of the principal Act to include a reference to ammunition. Clause 9 amends section 9 of the principal Act to include a reference to ammunition. Clause 10, which inserts proposed new section 9A in the principal Act, provides for the prohibition on acquiring a firearm where the component parts are manufactured by two or more manufacturers. The only exception to this prohibition is where the addition of component parts is done during the manufacturing and assembly of the firearm by the primary manufacturer. Clause 11 amends the principal Act by inserting a proposed new section 12A which introduces a new offence relating to the alteration of a firearm or conversion of anything into a firearm. The proposed new section prohibits anything that alters the ballistic signature of a firearm and prohibits tampering with any mark on a firearm. A person who contravenes the proposed new section 12A will be liable on conviction to a fine of one hundred thousand dollars or to imprisonment for a term of ten years, or to both. Clause 12 amends section 15 of the principal Act to provide for, among other things, the prohibition on any person being in possession of a prohibited device or a prohibited weapon. The clause also provides that an offence in relation to possession is not committed where the prohibited device is a specified prohibited device that is in the person\u2019s possession in accordance with an Order under section 3(1B). Firearms (Amendment) Bill, 2024 Objects and Reasons Introduced Clause 13 amends the principal Act by inserting proposed new section 15A which provides for the prohibition on the storing or stockpiling of specified amounts of prohibited weapons and prohibited ammunition. A person who causes to be stored or stockpiled at any premises two or more prohibited weapons or twenty or more pieces of prohibited ammunition is liable on conviction to a fine of two hundred and fifty thousand dollars or to imprisonment for a term of twenty years, or to both. Clause 14 amends section 18 of the principal Act to provide for offences relating to possession a firearm, ammunition or imitation firearm with the intent, and by the means thereof, to commit an offence, endanger life, cause serious injury to property, to resist arrest or prevent the arrest of another person. A person who contravenes the provision is liable on conviction to a fine of two hundred and fifty thousand dollars or to imprisonment for a term of thirty-five years, or to both. Clause 15 inserts a proposed new section 18A in the principal Act, which prohibits the assembly, manufacture or supply of any firearm, ammunition or firearm parts kits. The downloading of software with which a firearm may be printed is also prohibited. A person who contravenes the provision commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of two hundred and fifty thousand dollars or to imprisonment for a term of thirty-five years, or to both. Clause 16 amends section 19 of the principal Act to clarify that under Part 5 of the principal Act a reference to a licence or permit for a firearm includes a reference to a licence or permit for ammunition. Clause 17 amends section 21 of the principal Act to provide that no licence or permit shall be granted in relation to any privately made firearm which is assembled from a firearm parts kit or from component parts or for any firearm not bearing a serial number or bearing a mark which has been altered. Clause 18 provides for the insertion of proposed new section 30A in the principal Act. The new section empowers the Commissioner to collect and store physical and digital ballistic signatures and information relating to firearms in the Islands in the prescribed manner. Clause 19 amends section 35 of the principal Act to include a reference to ammunition. Clause 20 amends section 37 of the principal Act to include a reference to ammunition. Clause 21 provides for the amendment of section 39 of the principal Act to include the new offences in section 3(3A) (import or export of a prohibited device or prohibited weapon) and 15(5)(c) (possession of a prohibited weapon) as offences to which section 39 applies. (Section 39 of the principal Act provides for minimum sentences for certain offences). The clause also provides for an increase in the minimum sentence to ten years where the individual pleads guilty and, in any other case, an increase to fifteen years where there are no exceptional circumstances. Where the court is of the opinion that there are exceptional circumstances relating to the offence or the offender, the court shall impose instead a sentence of imprisonment for a term of at least eight years where the individual pleads guilty and in any other case the court shall impose a sentence of imprisonment for a term of at least twelve years. The clause also empowers the court to impose a non-custodial Objects and Reasons Firearms (Amendment) Bill, 2024 Introduced sentence in respect of an offence under section 3(3) where the court is of the opinion that there are exceptional circumstances relating to the offence or the offender and the offence relates only to the importation or exportation of ammunition. Clause 22 amends section 40 the principal Act to repeal and substitute the provisions relating to the restriction on eligibility for release on licence \u2014 (a) to correct typographical errors in the cross references in the principal Act; and (b) to include the new offence relating to the restriction on importation and exportation of prohibited devices and prohibited weapons in the list of offences for which there is a restriction on eligibility for release on licence. Clause 23 amends section 41 of the principal Act to to include a reference to ammunition. Clause 24 amends section 44 of the principal Act to include members of the Cayman Islands Coast Guard in the persons to whom the legislation does not apply in respect of the possession of a firearm, ammunition, bullet-proof vest, prohibited device or prohibited weapon in the course of the member\u2019s duties. Clause 25 sets out the transitional provisions. The clause provides that the provisions in the legislation shall not affect any legal proceedings which are pending immediately before the commencement of the legislation. Firearms (Amendment) Bill, 2024 Arrangement of Clauses Introduced FIREARMS (AMENDMENT) BILL, 2024 Arrangement of Clauses Clause 1.\", \"element\": \"section\", \"heading\": null}, {\"eId\": \"sec_2\", \"num\": \"2.\", \"text\": \"Amendment of section 2 of the Firearms Act (2008 Revision) - definitions and 3.\", \"element\": \"section\", \"heading\": null}, {\"eId\": \"sec_4\", \"num\": \"4.\", \"text\": \"Repeal and substitution of section 4 - travellers to make declaration of firearms and 5.\", \"element\": \"section\", \"heading\": null}, {\"eId\": \"sec_6\", \"num\": \"6.\", \"text\": \"Repeal and substitution of section 6 - custody of firearms and bullet-proof vests by\", \"element\": \"section\", \"heading\": null}, {\"eId\": \"sec_7\", \"num\": \"7.\", \"text\": \"Amendment of section 7 - firearms and bullet-proof vests not to be deemed to be 8. 9.\", \"element\": \"section\", \"heading\": null}, {\"eId\": \"sec_10\", \"num\": \"10.\", \"text\": \"Insertion of new section 9A - restriction on acquisition: two or more manufacturers of\", \"element\": \"section\", \"heading\": null}, {\"eId\": \"sec_11\", \"num\": \"11.\", \"text\": \"Insertion of new section 12A - restrictions relating to alteration of ballistic signature or 12.\", \"element\": \"section\", \"heading\": null}, {\"eId\": \"sec_13\", \"num\": \"13.\", \"text\": \"Insertion of new section 15A - prohibition on storing or stockpiling prohibited weapons\", \"element\": \"section\", \"heading\": null}, {\"eId\": \"sec_14\", \"num\": \"14.\", \"text\": \"Amendment of section 18 - restriction relating to the discharge and carriage of firearms Arrangement of Clauses Firearms (Amendment) Bill, 2024 Introduced\", \"element\": \"section\", \"heading\": null}, {\"eId\": \"sec_15\", \"num\": \"15.\", \"text\": \"Insertion of new section 18A - prohibition on manufacture or supply of firearms or 16.\", \"element\": \"section\", \"heading\": null}, {\"eId\": \"sec_17\", \"num\": \"17.\", \"text\": \"Amendment of section 21 - general provisions as to grant and issue of licences and 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24.\", \"element\": \"section\", \"heading\": null}, {\"eId\": \"sec_25\", \"num\": \"25.\", \"text\": \"Firearms (Amendment) Bill, 2024 Clause 1 Introduced FIREARMS (AMENDMENT) BILL, 2024 A BILL FOR AN ACT TO AMEND THE FIREARMS ACT (2008 REVISION) TO AMEND THE DEFINITION OF \u201cFIREARM\u201d; TO PROVIDE DEFINITIONS FOR, AMONG OTHER WORDS, \u201cPRIVATELY MADE FIREARM\u201d, \u201cPROHIBITED DEVICE\u201d AND \u201cPROHIBITED WEAPON\u201d; TO PROVIDE FOR OFFENCES RELATING TO, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE IMPORTATION OF PROHIBITED DEVICES AND PROHIBITED WEAPONS; TO PROVIDE FOR THE BAN ON THE MANUFACTURE OF FIREARMS AND THE ALTERATION OR CONVERSION OF FIREARMS; TO EMPOWER THE COMMISSIONER TO COLLECT BALLISTIC SIGNATURES AND INFORMATION RELATING TO FIREARMS IN THE ISLANDS; AND FOR INCIDENTAL AND CONNECTED PURPOSES ENACTED by the Legislature of the Cayman Islands.\", \"element\": \"section\", \"heading\": null}, {\"eId\": \"sec_1\", \"num\": \"1.\", \"text\": \"Short title 1. This Act may be cited as the Firearms (Amendment) Act, 2024. 2. Amendment of section 2 of the Firearms Act (2008 Revision) - definitions and interpretation 2. The Firearms Act (2008 Revision), in this Act referred to as the \u201cprincipal Act\u201d, is amended in section 2 as follows \u2014 (a) by deleting the section heading and substituting the following section heading \u2014 Clause 2 Firearms (Amendment) Bill, 2024 Introduced \u201cInterpretation\u201d; (b) by deleting the definition of the word \u201cfirearm\u201d and substituting the following definition \u2014 \u201c \u201cfirearm\u201d means \u2014 (a) any \u2014 (i) lethal barrelled weapon which discharges, is designed to discharge, or may be readily converted or adapted to discharge a shot, bullet or other projectile by the action of an explosive or any other mechanism; (ii) prohibited weapon, unless the context requires otherwise; or (iii) weapon under subparagraph (i) or (ii) that is a privately made firearm, that is created either by a 3D printer, a computer numerical control milling machine or through the use of electronic software or downloadable files; (b) a part or component part of any weapon referred to in paragraph (a); (c) a firearm parts kit that is designed to, or may be easily completed, assembled, restored or otherwise converted, as a firearm; (d) an accessory to a firearm designed or adapted to diminish the noise or flash caused by firing the firearm; or (e) any air gun (including any air pistol), air rifle or any other air weapon as may be prescribed, but does not include \u2014 (i) an antique firearm; or (ii) an airsoft weapon or flare gun used for sending signals or carried as a necessary part of safety equipment in the course of navigation at sea except where the flare gun is adapted to discharge ammunition;\u201d; (c) by deleting the definition of the words \u201cprohibited firearm\u201d; and (d) by inserting in the appropriate alphabetical sequence, the following definitions \u2014 \u201c \u201cairsoft weapon\u201d means a barrelled weapon of any description which is designed to discharge only a small plastic or gel-like projectile; \u201cammunition\u201d means a complete cartridge or round, or any component of a cartridge or round, and includes any \u2014 (a) cartridge case; Firearms (Amendment) Bill, 2024 Clause 2 Introduced (b) primer; (c) propellant; or (d) bullet, shot or projectile, designed for use in any firearm; \u201cantique firearm\u201d means any firearm manufactured in or before 1898 (or its replica) and which \u2014 (a) is not designed or redesigned for using ammunition; and (b) is possessed as a curiosity or an ornament; \u201cautomatic firearm\u201d means any firearm so designed or adapted that if the trigger is fully depressed, or if pressure is applied, it continuously discharges ammunition until the trigger is released or pressure is removed from the trigger or the ammunition feed system is exhausted; \u201cautomatic sear\u201d means a conversion device that is designed to convert a firearm from a semi-automatic firearm to an automatic firearm and which enables the user to fire or discharge automatically more than one shot or projectile, without manual reloading, by a single function or pull of the trigger; \u201cballistic signature\u201d means any unique mark left on ammunition or ammunition component that is fired or cycled through a firearm; \u201ccomponent part\u201d, in relation to a firearm, means any element or replacement element specifically designed for a firearm which includes \u2014 (a) a barrel; (b) a frame or receiver; (c) a magazine; (d) a firing pin; (e) a main spring; (f) a slide or cylinder; (g) a bolt or breech block, and any other part deemed essential for the functional operation of the firearm; \u201ccustoms and border control officer\u201d has the same meaning as in the Customs and Border Control Act (2024); \u201cflare gun\u201d includes a signal pistol; \u201cframe\u201d or \u201creceiver\u201d includes \u2014 (a) a partially completed, disassembled or non-functional frame or receiver of a firearm; and Clause 2 Firearms (Amendment) Bill, 2024 Introduced (b) an eighty per cent frame or receiver parts kit, with or without a jig, that is designed, or may readily be assembled or restored or otherwise converted, to function as a frame or receiver; \u201cjig\u201d means \u2014 (a) a metal or polymer plate used to maintain the correct positional relationship between a tool and a firearm receiver or frame casting during the build out of a firearm receiver or frame; or (b) a fixture that helps to locate the necessary holes and slots that must be drilled and milled into an incomplete receiver or frame casting; \u201cofficer of the Coast Guard\u201d means a commissioned officer or a non-commissioned officer of the Cayman Islands Coast Guard established under section 3 of the Cayman Islands Coast Guard Act, 2021; \u201cprivately made firearm\u201d means a firearm made by a person other than a licensed firearm manufacturer and without a serial number placed by a licensed firearm manufacturer; \u201cprohibited ammunition\u201d means any \u2014 (a) projectile manufactured to be discharged from any artillery; (b) incendiary type ammunition; (c) armour piercing or similar ammunition; (d) ammunition capable of containing a noxious liquid, gas or thing, or designed or adapted to contain a noxious liquid, gas or thing; (e) ammunition in a quantity exceeding twenty cartridges or rounds of the same or different calibre or manufacturer; (f) ammunition that expands on impact or changes its components on or before impact; or (g) other type or calibre of ammunition as may be prescribed; \u201cprohibited device\u201d means any \u2014 (a) electroshock weapon; (b) airsoft weapon; (c) jig; (d) tranquilizer gun; (e) device of any description or design that is adapted for the discharge of noxious liquid or gas; or (f) any other device as may be prescribed; \u201cprohibited weapon\u201d means any \u2014 (a) artillery; Firearms (Amendment) Bill, 2024 Clause 3 Introduced (b) automatic firearm including a machine gun; (c) firearm converted or adapted to be a prohibited weapon; (d) burst-fire weapon; (e) automatic sear; (f) submachine gun; (g) part or component part of a prohibited weapon; (h) form of grenade or grenade launcher, bomb or explosive device; (i) missile or missile launcher; (j) automatic firearm or weapon of any description or design that is adapted for the discharge of noxious liquid or gas; (k) prohibited ammunition; (l) reloader; (m) firearm disguised or made to appear as another object; (n) imitation of a prohibited weapon; or (o) other weapon as may be prescribed; \u201creloader\u201d means a reloading press, a reloading machine or any mechanical device for loading ammunition; and \u201c3D printed firearm\u201d means a lethal barrelled weapon which discharges or is designed to discharge any shot, bullet or other projectile and that is mostly produced or manufactured with a 3D printer or any type of electronic software.\u201d.\", \"element\": \"section\", \"heading\": null}, {\"eId\": \"sec_3\", \"num\": \"3.\", \"text\": \"Amendment of section 3 - restriction on importation or exportation of firearms and bullet-proof vests 3. The principal Act is amended in section 3 as follows \u2014 (a) by deleting the section heading and substituting the following section heading \u2014 \u201cRestriction on importation or exportation of firearms, ammunition, prohibited devices and bullet-proof vests\u201d; (b) in subsection (1), by deleting the words \u201cNo person shall import into or export from the Islands a firearm\u201d and substituting the words \u201cA person shall not import into or export from the Islands a firearm or ammunition\u201d; (c) by inserting after subsection (1) the following subsections \u2014 \u201c(1A)A person shall not import into or export from the Islands \u2014 (a) subject to subsection (1B), any prohibited device; or (b) any prohibited weapon. Clause 3 Firearms (Amendment) Bill, 2024 Introduced (1B) The Cabinet may, by Order published in the Gazette permit the importation of such specified prohibited devices as it sees fit and the Order may include requirements regarding possession and use of the specified prohibited devices.\u201d; (d) by repealing subsection (3) and substituting the following subsections \u2014 \u201c(3) A person who contravenes subsection (1) commits an offence and, subject to section 39, is liable on conviction to a fine of one hundred thousand dollars or to imprisonment for a term of twenty years, or to both, except that where the firearm is a prohibited weapon the person is liable on conviction to the penalty under subsection (3A)(b). (3A) Subject to subsections (3B) and (3C), a person who contravenes \u2014 (a) subsection (1A)(a) commits an offence and, subject to section 39, is liable on conviction to a fine of one hundred thousand dollars or to imprisonment for a term of ten years, or to both; or (b) subsection (1A)(b) commits an offence and, subject to section 39, is liable on conviction to a fine of two hundred and fifty thousand dollars or to imprisonment for a term of thirty-five years, or to both. (3B) For the purposes of subsection (3A)(a), an offence in relation to importation is not committed where the prohibited device is a specified prohibited device permitted by Order under subsection (1B). (3C) Where the contravention under subsection (3A)(b) is in respect of a reloader, the person is liable on conviction to a fine of one hundred thousand dollars or to imprisonment for a term of twenty years, or to both.\u201d; and (e) by repealing subsection (4) and substituting the following subsection \u2014 \u201c(4) A person who contravenes subsection (2) commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of one hundred thousand dollars or to imprisonment for a term of twenty years, or to both.\u201d. Firearms (Amendment) Bill, 2024 Clause 4 Introduced 4. Repeal and substitution of section 4 - travellers to make declaration of firearms and bullet-proof vests 4. The principal Act is amended by repealing section 4 and substituting the following section \u2014 \u201cTravellers to make declaration of firearms, ammunition and bulletproof vests 4. (1) A traveller who disembarks in the Islands and has a firearm, ammunition or a bullet-proof vest in his or her possession or control shall make a declaration regarding the firearm or ammunition in the prescribed form. (2) A person who contravenes subsection (1) commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of one hundred thousand dollars or to imprisonment for a term of twenty years, or to both. (3) A customs and border control officer who has reasonable cause to believe that a traveller disembarking in the Islands has in that traveller\u2019s possession or control any firearm, ammunition or bulletproof vest for which a declaration has not been made under subsection (1), may search the traveller and the traveller\u2019s baggage and any firearm, ammunition or bullet-proof vest found shall be forfeited to the Crown. (4) The powers conferred by this section are in addition to and not in derogation from the powers of search conferred by the Customs and Border Control Act (2024 Revision).\u201d.\", \"element\": \"section\", \"heading\": null}, {\"eId\": \"sec_5\", \"num\": \"5.\", \"text\": \"Repeal and substitution of section 5 - traveller\u2019s option 5. The principal Act is amended by repealing section 5 and substituting the following section \u2014 \u201cTraveller\u2019s option 5. (1) Subject to subsection (2), a traveller who declares under section 4 that there is a firearm, ammunition or a bullet-proof vest in the traveller\u2019s possession or control shall either \u2014 (a) cause the firearm, ammunition or bullet-proof vest to be retained on the vessel or aircraft on which the traveller arrived into the Islands until the vessel or aircraft departs from the Islands; or (b) as soon as the traveller arrives in the Islands, deliver the firearm, ammunition or bullet-proof vest to a customs and border control officer in a sealed packet to be dealt with in accordance with section 6, Clause 6 Firearms (Amendment) Bill, 2024 Introduced unless the traveller \u2014 (i) in respect of the firearm or ammunition, is the holder of a permit under section 19(2)(a) and a licence under section 19(2)(e); or (ii) in respect of the bullet-proof vest, has the written approval of the Commissioner under section 3(2) authorising the importation into the Islands, in which event the traveller shall pay the appropriate duty and the firearm, ammunition or bullet-proof vest shall be delivered to the traveller. (2) A traveller who intends to utilise the traveller\u2019s option \u2014 (a) under subsection (1)(a) shall notify the Commissioner in writing of the traveller\u2019s intention to utilise the option prior to arrival in the Islands; or (b) under subsection (1)(b) shall obtain the written approval of the Commissioner to utilise the option prior to arrival in the Islands, and present the respective notification or approval to the customs and border control officer when required to do so. (3) The firearm, ammunition or bullet-proof vest under subsection (1)(a) may be retained on the vessel or aircraft for up to such period of time as may be prescribed. (4) A person who contravenes subsection (1) commits an offence and is liable on conviction to fine of one hundred thousand dollars or to imprisonment for a term of twenty years, or to both.\u201d. 6. Repeal and substitution of section 6 - custody of firearms and bullet-proof vests by customs officer 6. The principal Act is amended by repealing section 6 and substituting the following section \u2014 \u201cCustody of firearms, ammunition and bullet-proof vests 6. (1) Subject to subsections (2) and (3), any firearm, ammunition or bulletproof vest received by a customs and border control officer under section 5(1)(b) shall be retained in the sealed packet in which it is received until the traveller gives notice in writing to the Director of Customs and Border Control, within the period of time as may be prescribed, specifying \u2014 (a) the port at which the traveller intends to embark for a place outside of the Islands; and Firearms (Amendment) Bill, 2024 Clause 7 Introduced (b) the date, time and vessel on which the traveller intends to embark, in which event the sealed packet containing the firearm, ammunition or bullet-proof vest shall be delivered to the traveller immediately before embarkation. (2) Where the traveller fails to \u2014 (a) produce the permit or the Commissioner\u2019s written approval authorising the importation of the firearm, ammunition or bullet-proof vest; or (b) give notice in writing specifying the port, date, time and vessel on which the traveller intends to embark within the period of time as may be prescribed for doing so, the firearm, ammunition or bullet-proof vest may be forfeited to the Crown. (3) A firearm, ammunition or bullet-proof vest may be retained by Customs and Border Control under subsection (1) up to such period of time as may be prescribed.\u201d. 7. Amendment of section 7 - firearms and bullet-proof vests not to be deemed to be imported into the Islands in certain circumstances 7. The principal Act is amended in section 7 as follows \u2014 (a) by deleting the section heading and substituting the following section heading \u2014 \u201cCircumstances where firearms, ammunition and bullet-proof vests not considered as imported\u201d; and (b) by deleting the words \u201cfirearm or bullet-proof vest\u201d wherever they appear and substituting the words \u201cfirearm, ammunition or bullet-proof vest\u201d.\", \"element\": \"section\", \"heading\": null}, {\"eId\": \"sec_8\", \"num\": \"8.\", \"text\": \"Amendment of section 8 - restrictions upon acquisition or disposal of firearms and bullet-proof vests 8. The principal Act is amended in section 8 as follows \u2014 (a) by deleting the section heading and substituting the following section heading \u2014 \u201cRestrictions on acquisition or disposal of firearms, ammunition and bullet-proof vests\u201d; (b) by inserting after subsection (3) the following subsection \u2014 \u201c(3A)A person shall not sell, give away, purchase or accept the gift of ammunition unless the person is the holder of a licence or permit Clause 9 Firearms (Amendment) Bill, 2024 Introduced which authorises that person to possess, use, import, export, transfer or dispose of that ammunition.\u201d; (c) in subsection (4), by deleting the words \u201cfirearm pursuant to any sale or gift of such firearm\u201d and substituting the words \u201cfirearm or ammunition pursuant to any sale or gift of the firearm or ammunition\u201d; (d) in subsection (5), by deleting the words \u201cfirearm pursuant to any sale or gift of such firearm\u201d and substituting the words \u201cfirearm or ammunition pursuant to any sale or gift of the firearm or ammunition\u201d; and (e) by repealing subsection (7) and substituting the following subsection \u2014 \u201c(7) A person who contravenes this section commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of one hundred thousand dollars or to imprisonment for a term of twenty years, or to both.\u201d.\", \"element\": \"section\", \"heading\": null}, {\"eId\": \"sec_9\", \"num\": \"9.\", \"text\": \"Amendment of section 9 - restrictions on delivery of firearms 9. The principal Act is amended in section 9 as follows \u2014 (a) by deleting the section heading and substituting the following section heading \u2014 \u201cRestrictions on delivery of firearms and ammunition\u201d; and (b) by deleting the word \u201cfirearm\u201d wherever it appears and substituting the words \u201cfirearm or ammunition\u201d. 10. Insertion of new section 9A - restriction on acquisition: two or more manufacturers of component parts 10. The principal Act is amended by inserting after section 9 the following section \u2014 \u201cRestriction on acquisition: two or more manufacturers of component parts 9A. (1) A person shall not import or acquire a firearm where the component parts are manufactured by two or more manufacturers except where the addition of the component parts is done during the manufacturing or assembling process by the primary manufacturer of the firearm. (2) A person who contravenes subsection (1) commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of one hundred thousand dollars or to imprisonment for a term of twenty years, or to both.\u201d. Firearms (Amendment) Bill, 2024 Clause 11 Introduced 11. Insertion of new section 12A - restrictions relating to alteration of ballistic signature or conversion into firearm 11. The principal Act is amended by inserting after section 12 the following section \u2014 \u201cRestrictions relating to alteration of ballistic signature or conversion into firearm 12A. (1) A person shall not \u2014 (a) do anything to a firearm which alters the ballistic signature of the firearm; (b) convert into a firearm anything which is not a firearm; (c) remove, alter, modify or in any other manner tamper with any mark on a firearm or ammunition. (2) A person who contravenes subsection (1) commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of one hundred thousand dollars or to imprisonment for a term of ten years, or to both. (3) For the purposes of this section, \u201cmark\u201d, in relation to a firearm or ammunition, includes \u2014 (a) the name of the manufacturer; (b) the serial number; (c) the make, model or type; (d) the calibre of the firearm; (e) the country of manufacture; (f) the date of manufacture; and (g) any proof mark, as may be marked, etched or otherwise imprinted on the firearm or ammunition.\u201d.\", \"element\": \"section\", \"heading\": null}, {\"eId\": \"sec_12\", \"num\": \"12.\", \"text\": \"Amendment of section 15 - possession and use of firearms and bullet-proof vests 12. The principal Act is amended in section 15 as follows \u2014 (a) by deleting the section heading and substituting the following section heading \u2014 \u201cPossession of firearms, ammunition, bullet-proof vests and prohibited devices\u201d; (b) by deleting the words \u201cany firearm\u201d wherever they appear and substituting the words \u201cany firearm or ammunition\u201d; (c) by deleting the words \u201csuch firearm\u201d wherever they appear and substituting the words \u201cthe firearm or ammunition\u201d; Clause 13 Firearms (Amendment) Bill, 2024 Introduced (d) by inserting after subsection (4) the following subsection \u2014 \u201c(4A)A person shall not be in possession of \u2014 (a) a prohibited device; or (b) a prohibited weapon.\u201d; and (e) by repealing subsection (5) and substituting the following subsections\u2014 \u201c(5) Subject to subsections (6) and (7), a person who contravenes \u2014 (a) subsection (1) or (3) commits an offence and, subject to section 39, is liable on conviction to a fine of one hundred thousand dollars or to imprisonment for a term of twenty years, or to both except that where the firearm is a prohibited weapon the person is liable on conviction to the penalty under paragraph (c); (b) subsection (4A)(a) commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of one hundred thousand dollars or to imprisonment for a term of ten years, or to both; and (c) subsection (4A)(b) commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of two hundred and fifty thousand dollars or to imprisonment for a term of thirty-five years, or to both. (6) For the purposes of subsection (5)(b), an offence in relation to possession is not committed where the prohibited device is a specified prohibited device that is in the person\u2019s possession in accordance with an Order under section 3(1B). (7) Where the contravention under subsection (4A)(b) is in respect of a reloader, the person is liable on conviction to a fine of one hundred thousand dollars or to imprisonment for a term of twenty years, or to both.\u201d. 13. Insertion of new section 15A - prohibition on storing or stockpiling prohibited weapons and prohibited ammunition 13. The principal Act is amended by inserting after section 15 the following section \u2014 \u201cProhibition on storing or stockpiling prohibited weapons and prohibited ammunition 15A. (1) A person shall not store or stockpile or cause to be stored or stockpiled at any premises \u2014 (a) two or more prohibited weapons; or (b) twenty or more pieces of prohibited ammunition of the same or different calibre. Firearms (Amendment) Bill, 2024 Clause 14 Introduced (2) A person who contravenes subsection (1) commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of two hundred and fifty thousand dollars or to imprisonment for a term of thirty-five years, or to both.\u201d. 14. Amendment of section 18 - restriction relating to the discharge and carriage of firearms and the wearing of bullet-proof vests 14. The principal Act is amended in section 18 as follows \u2014 (a) by repealing subsection (6) and substituting the following subsection \u2014 \u201c(6) A person who has in his or her possession a firearm, an imitation firearm, ammunition or a prohibited device with intent and by means of the firearm, imitation firearm, ammunition or prohibited device \u2014 (a) to commit an offence; (b) to endanger life or cause serious injury to property; (c) to resist arrest or prevent the arrest of another person; or (d) to enable another person to endanger life or cause serious injury to property, whether any injury to person or property has been caused or not, commits an offence and, subject to section 39, is liable on conviction to a fine of two hundred and fifty thousand dollars or to imprisonment for a term of thirty-five years, or to both.\u201d; and (b) in subsection (8), by deleting the words \u201cfirearm, imitation firearm or bullet-proof vest\u201d and substituting the words \u201cfirearm, an imitation firearm, ammunition, a prohibited device or a bullet-proof vest\u201d. 15. Insertion of new section 18A - prohibition on manufacture or supply of firearms or ammunition 15. The principal Act is amended by inserting after section 18 the following section \u2014 \u201cProhibition on manufacture or supply of firearms or ammunition 18A. (1) A person shall not assemble, manufacture or supply any firearm, ammunition or firearm parts kit. (2) A person shall not download or have in the person\u2019s possession a 3D printer or any type of electronic software with which a 3D printed firearm may be printed. (3) A person who contravenes this section commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of two hundred and fifty thousand dollars or to imprisonment for a term of thirty-five years, or to both.\u201d. Clause 16 Firearms (Amendment) Bill, 2024 Introduced\", \"element\": \"section\", \"heading\": null}, {\"eId\": \"sec_16\", \"num\": \"16.\", \"text\": \"Amendment of section 19 - types of licences and permits 16. The principal Act is amended in section 19 by renumbering the section as subsection (2) and inserting immediately before the renumbered subsection the following subsection \u2014 \u201c(1) In this Part, a reference to a licence or permit for a firearm includes a reference to a licence or permit for ammunition.\u201d. 17. Amendment of section 21 - general provisions as to grant and issue of licences and permits 17. The principal Act is amended in section 21 as follows \u2014 (a) in subsection (3), by deleting the words \u201cprohibited firearm\u201d and substituting the words \u201cprohibited weapon\u201d; and (b) by inserting after subsection (3) the following subsection \u2014 \u201c(3A)A licence or permit shall not be granted \u2014 (a) in relation to any privately made firearm assembled from a firearm parts kit or component parts; or (b) in relation to any firearm without a serial number or with any mark on the firearm altered.\u201d.\", \"element\": \"section\", \"heading\": null}, {\"eId\": \"sec_18\", \"num\": \"18.\", \"text\": \"Insertion of new section 30A - collection and storage of ballistic signatures 18. The principal Act is amended by inserting after section 30 the following section \u2014 \u201cCollection and storage of ballistic signatures 30A. The Commissioner shall collect and store \u2014 (a) physical and digital ballistic signatures; and (b) information relating to firearms in the Islands, at such times and in such manner as may be prescribed.\u201d.\", \"element\": \"section\", \"heading\": null}, {\"eId\": \"sec_19\", \"num\": \"19.\", \"text\": \"Amendment of section 35 - search warrants 19. The principal Act is amended in section 35 by deleting the words \u201cfirearm or bulletproof vest\u201d wherever they appear and substituting the words \u201cfirearm, ammunition or bullet-proof vest\u201d.\", \"element\": \"section\", \"heading\": null}, {\"eId\": \"sec_20\", \"num\": \"20.\", \"text\": \"Amendment of section 37 - custody of firearms 20. The principal Act is amended in section 37 as follows \u2014 (a) in subsection (1) as follows \u2014 (i) by deleting the words \u201cany firearm\u201d and substituting the words \u201cany firearm or ammunition\u201d; and Firearms (Amendment) Bill, 2024 Clause 21 Introduced (ii) by deleting the words \u201csuch firearm\u201d wherever they appear and substituting the words \u201cthe firearm or ammunition\u201d; (b) in subsection (2), by repealing paragraph (a); and (c) in subsection (6) as follows \u2014 (i) by deleting the words \u201cEvery firearm\u201d and substituting the words \u201cAny firearm, ammunition\u201d; and (ii) by deleting the words \u201csuch firearm\u201d wherever they appear and substituting the words \u201cthe firearm or ammunition\u201d.\", \"element\": \"section\", \"heading\": null}, {\"eId\": \"sec_21\", \"num\": \"21.\", \"text\": \"Amendment of section 39 - minimum sentences for certain offences 21. The principal Act is amended in section 39 as follows \u2014 (a) in subsection (1)(a), by deleting the words \u201cunder section 3(3), 15(5)\u201d and substituting the words \u201cunder section 3(3), 3(3A), 15(5)(a), 15(5)(c),\u201d; (b) in subsection (2) as follows \u2014 (i) in paragraph (a), by deleting the words \u201cat least seven years\u201d and substituting the words \u201cat least ten years\u201d; (ii) in paragraph (b), by deleting the words \u201cat least ten years\u201d and substituting the words \u201cat least fifteen years\u201d; and (c) by inserting after subsection (2) the following subsections \u2014 \u201c(2A) Subject to subsection (2B), where the relevant court under subsection (2) is of the opinion that there are exceptional circumstances relating to the offence or the offender, the court shall impose instead \u2014 (a) in a case where the individual pleads guilty, a sentence of imprisonment for a term of at least eight years (with or without a fine); and (b) in any other case, a sentence of imprisonment for a term of at least twelve years (with or without a fine). (2B) Where, in respect of an offence under section 3(3) \u2014 (a) the relevant court under subsection (2) is of the opinion that there are exceptional circumstances relating to the offence or the offender; and (b) the offence relates only to the importation or exportation of ammunition, the court may, in its discretion, impose a non-custodial sentence.\u201d. Clause 22 Firearms (Amendment) Bill, 2024 Introduced\", \"element\": \"section\", \"heading\": null}, {\"eId\": \"sec_22\", \"num\": \"22.\", \"text\": \"Repeal and substitution of section 40 - restriction on eligibility for release on licence 22. The principal Act is amended by repealing section 40 and substituting the following section \u2014 \u201cRestriction on eligibility for release on licence\", \"element\": \"section\", \"heading\": null}, {\"eId\": \"sec_40\", \"num\": \"40.\", \"text\": \"Notwithstanding the Conditional Release Act (2019 Revision) or any other law, a person who \u2014 (a) contravenes section 3(1) and is convicted and sentenced under section 3(3); (b) contravenes section 3(1A) and is convicted and sentenced under section 3(3A); (c) contravenes section 15(1) and is convicted and sentenced under section 15(5); or (d) contravenes section 18(6) and is convicted and sentenced under that section, shall not be eligible to be released on licence.\u201d.\", \"element\": \"section\", \"heading\": null}, {\"eId\": \"sec_23\", \"num\": \"23.\", \"text\": \"Amendment of section 41 - forfeiture of firearms 23. The principal Act is amended in section 41 as follows \u2014 (a) in paragraph (a), by deleting the words \u201cof any firearm\u201d and substituting the words \u201cof any firearm, ammunition\u201d; (b) in paragraph (c), by deleting the words \u201cof any firearm\u201d and substituting the words \u201cof any firearm or ammunition\u201d; (c) in paragraph (d), by deleting the words \u201cof any firearm\u201d and substituting the words \u201cof any firearm or ammunition\u201d; (d) in paragraph (e), by deleting the words \u201cunder section 18(6), (8), (9) and 10\u201d and substituting the words \u201cunder sections 15A(2), 18(6), 18(8), 18(9) and 18(10)\u201d; and (e) by deleting the words \u201csuch firearm or\u201d wherever they appear and substituting the words \u201cthe firearm, ammunition or\u201d.\", \"element\": \"section\", \"heading\": null}, {\"eId\": \"sec_24\", \"num\": \"24.\", \"text\": \"Amendment of section 44 - when provisions shall not apply 24. The principal Act is amended in section 44 as follows \u2014 (a) in paragraph (a), by deleting the words \u201cfirearm or bullet-proof vest\u201d wherever they appear and substituting the words \u201cfirearm, ammunition, bullet-proof vest, prohibited device or prohibited weapon\u201d; (b) in paragraph (b), by deleting the words \u201cfirearm or bullet-proof vest\u201d and substituting the words \u201cfirearm, ammunition or bullet-proof vest\u201d; Firearms (Amendment) Bill, 2024 Clause 25 Introduced (c) by repealing paragraph (d) and substituting the following paragraph \u2014 \u201c(d) any member of \u2014 (i) the armed forces of His Majesty; (ii) the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service; (iii) the Cayman Islands Coast Guard; (iv) the Prison Service; or (v) the Customs and Border Control Service, in respect of any firearm, ammunition, bullet-proof vest, prohibited device or prohibited weapon in the possession of the member in the course of the member\u2019s duties;\u201d; and (d) in paragraph (e), by deleting the words \u201cfirearm or bullet-proof vest\u201d and substituting the words \u201cfirearm, ammunition or bullet-proof vest\u201d; and (e) in paragraph (g), by deleting the words \u201cfirearm or bullet-proof vest\u201d and substituting the words \u201cfirearm, ammunition or bullet-proof vest.\u201d. 25. Transitional 25. Nothing in any provision of this amending Act shall affect any legal proceedings which are pending immediately before the commencement of this amending Act. Passed by the Parliament the day of , 2024. Speaker Clerk of the Parliament\", \"element\": \"section\", \"heading\": null}], \"meta\": {\"notes\": null, \"workflow\": null, \"lifecycle\": {\"source\": \"#cilegis\", \"eventRef\": [{\"eId\": \"e_commence_2024_01_01\", \"date\": \"2024-01-01\", \"type\": \"generation\", \"source\": \"#cilegis\"}]}, \"references\": {\"source\": \"#canary\", \"TLCRole\": [], \"TLCEvent\": [{\"eId\": \"ev_commencement\", \"href\": \"\/akn\/ontology\/canary\/event\/commencement\", \"showAs\": \"commencement\"}], \"TLCPerson\": [], \"TLCConcept\": [{\"eId\": \"inForce\", \"href\": \"\/akn\/ontology\/canary\/concept\/temporal\/in-force\", \"showAs\": \"in force\"}], \"TLCProcess\": [], \"TLCLocation\": [], \"TLCOrganization\": [{\"eId\": \"cilegis\", \"href\": \"\/akn\/ontology\/canary\/organization\/editor\/cilegis\", \"showAs\": \"Cayman Islands legislation mirror (kyleg)\"}]}, \"temporalData\": {\"source\": \"#cilegis\", \"temporalGroup\": [{\"eId\": \"tg_inforce_2024_01_01\", \"timeInterval\": [{\"end\": null, \"start\": \"#e_commence_2024_01_01\", \"duration\": null, \"refersTo\": \"#inForce\"}]}]}, \"classification\": null, \"identification\": {\"source\": \"#cilegis\", \"FRBRWork\": {\"FRBRuri\": \"\/akn\/ky\/bill\/2024\/5\", \"FRBRdate\": [{\"date\": \"2024-01-01\", \"name\": \"generation\"}], \"FRBRthis\": \"\/akn\/ky\/bill\/2024\/5\/!main\", \"FRBRalias\": [{\"name\": \"cmsId\", \"value\": \"2024-0005\"}], \"FRBRauthor\": [{\"as\": \"#editor\", \"href\": \"\/akn\/ontology\/canary\/organization\/editor\/cilegis\"}], \"FRBRnumber\": \"5 of 2024\", \"FRBRcountry\": \"ky\", \"FRBRsubtype\": \"bill\"}, \"FRBRExpression\": {\"FRBRuri\": \"\/akn\/ky\/bill\/2024\/5\/eng@2024-01-01\", \"FRBRdate\": [{\"date\": \"2024-01-01\", \"name\": \"generation\"}], \"FRBRthis\": \"\/akn\/ky\/bill\/2024\/5\/eng@2024-01-01\/!main\", \"FRBRauthor\": [{\"as\": \"#editor\", \"href\": \"\/akn\/ontology\/canary\/organization\/editor\/cilegis\"}], \"FRBRlanguage\": \"eng\"}, \"FRBRManifestation\": {\"FRBRuri\": \"\/akn\/ky\/bill\/2024\/5\/eng@2024-01-01.xml\", \"FRBRdate\": [{\"date\": \"2026-06-22\", \"name\": \"generation\"}], \"FRBRthis\": \"\/akn\/ky\/bill\/2024\/5\/eng@2024-01-01.xml\", \"FRBRauthor\": [{\"as\": \"#editor\", \"href\": \"\/akn\/ontology\/canary\/organization\/editor\/cilegis\"}], \"FRBRformat\": \"application\/xml\"}}}, \"name\": \"bill\", \"header\": {\"title\": \"Firearms (Amendment) Act, 2024 (Act 5 of 2024)\", \"actNumber\": \"5 of 2024\", \"longTitle\": null}}, \"judgment\": null}}","akn_full_text":"CAYMAN ISLANDS\n\nFIREARMS (AMENDMENT) BILL, 2024\n\nSupplement No. 3 published with Legislation Gazette No. 20 dated 24th May, 2024.\nA BILL FOR AN ACT TO AMEND THE FIREARMS ACT (2008 REVISION) TO AMEND\nTHE DEFINITION OF \u201cFIREARM\u201d; TO PROVIDE DEFINITIONS FOR, AMONG OTHER\nWORDS, \u201cPRIVATELY MADE FIREARM\u201d, \u201cPROHIBITED DEVICE\u201d AND \u201cPROHIBITED\nWEAPON\u201d; TO PROVIDE FOR OFFENCES RELATING TO, AMONG OTHER THINGS,\nTHE IMPORTATION OF PROHIBITED DEVICES AND PROHIBITED WEAPONS; TO\nPROVIDE FOR THE BAN ON THE MANUFACTURE OF FIREARMS AND THE\nALTERATION OR CONVERSION OF FIREARMS; TO EMPOWER THE COMMISSIONER\nTO COLLECT BALLISTIC SIGNATURES AND INFORMATION RELATING TO\nFIREARMS IN THE ISLANDS; AND FOR INCIDENTAL AND CONNECTED PURPOSES\n\nPage 2\n Introduced\nc\n\nPUBLISHING DETAILS\nSponsoring Ministry\/Portfolio: Portfolio of Legal Affairs (PLA)\n\nFirearms (Amendment) Bill, 2024\nObjects and Reasons\n\nc\n Introduced\nPage 3\n\nMemorandum of\nOBJECTS AND REASONS\nThis Bill seeks to amend the Firearms Act (2008 Revision) (\u201cthe principal Act\u201d) to address\nsome of the current challenges faced in enforcing the law relating to firearms. The Bill\nprovides for amendments to the definitions of words used in the legislation and the\nintroduction of new prohibitions and offences.\nThe Bill also empowers the Commissioner to collect ballistic signatures and information\nrelating to firearms in the Islands.\nClause 1 provides the short title of the legislation.\nClause 2 amends section 2 of the principal Act to, among other things, provide a new\ndefinition of \u201cfirearm\u201d. Included in the proposed definition of the word \u201cfirearm\u201d are \u2014\n(a) prohibited weapons;\n(b) privately made firearms which are created by a three-dimensional printer (\u201c3D\nprinter\u201d);\n(c) firearm parts kits that are designed to be assembled to expel bullets;\n(d) any accessory to a firearm that is designed to diminish the noise or flash caused\nby firing it; and\n(e) any part or component of any firearm including a \u201cprivately made firearm\u201d which\nis created by a 3D printer or otherwise created through the use of electronic\nsoftware or downloadable files.\nThe inclusion of privately made firearms which are created by the use of 3D or threedimensional printing technology is in recognition of the global challenge being faced by\nlaw enforcement where access to software facilitates the printing of firearms using easily\naccessed 3D printers.\nThe definition of \u201cfirearm\u201d in the principal Act currently includes \u201cammunition\u201d. To lend\ngreater clarity to the definitions of \u201cfirearm\u201d and \u201cammunition\u201d, the principal Act is being\namended to provide for the definition of \u201cammunition\u201d. One outcome of the amendment\nof the definition of \u201cfirearm\u201d is that consequential amendments have been made throughout\nthe Bill to insert the word \u201cammunition\u201d in relevant provisions.\nThe legislation introduces new offences in several clauses to address challenges faced by\nlaw enforcement. Thus, clause 3, among other things, amends section 3 of the principal\nAct to provide for offences relating to the import and export of prohibited devices and\nprohibited weapons.\nWhile clause 3 also amends section 3 of the principal Act to provide for a prohibition on\nthe importation and exportation from the Islands of prohibited devices and prohibited\nweapons, it empowers the Cabinet, by Order published in the Gazette, to permit the\n\nObjects and Reasons\nFirearms (Amendment) Bill, 2024\n\nPage 4\n Introduced\nc\n\nimportation of specified prohibited devices as it sees fit. The clause further provides that\nan offence in relation to importation is not committed where the prohibited device is a\nspecified prohibited device permitted by Order made by the Cabinet.\nClause 4 repeals and replaces section 4 of the principal Act and deals with the requirement\nfor a traveller to declare possession of a firearm, ammunition or a bullet-proof vest upon\narrival in the Islands.\nClause 5 amends section 5 of the principal Act to provide that a traveller who intends to\nutilise the traveller\u2019s option shall either \u2014\n(a) notify the Commissioner of the traveller\u2019s intention to retain  the firearm,\nammunition or bullet-proof vest on board the vessel or aircraft on which the\ntraveller arrived; or\n(b) obtain the written approval of the Commissioner prior to the traveller\u2019s arrival in\nthe Islands for the retention of firearm, ammunition or bullet-proof vest by\nCustoms and Border Control.\nClause 6 amends section 6 of the principal Act to provide, among other things, that where\na traveller fails to provide a permit or the Commissioner\u2019s written approval authorising the\nimportation of the firearm, ammunition or bullet-proof vest in question within the\nprescribed period of time, the firearm, ammunition or bullet-proof vest may be forfeited to\nthe Crown.\nClause 7 amends section 7 of the principal Act to include a reference to ammunition.\nClause 8, among other things, amends section 8 of the principal Act to include a reference\nto ammunition.\nClause 9 amends section 9 of the principal Act to include a reference to ammunition.\nClause 10, which inserts proposed new section 9A in the principal Act, provides for the\nprohibition on acquiring a firearm where the component parts are manufactured by two or\nmore manufacturers. The only exception to this prohibition is where the addition of\ncomponent parts is done during the manufacturing and assembly of the firearm by the\nprimary manufacturer.\nClause 11 amends the principal Act by inserting a proposed new section 12A which\nintroduces a new offence relating to the alteration of a firearm or conversion of anything\ninto a firearm. The proposed new section prohibits anything that alters the ballistic\nsignature of a firearm and prohibits tampering with any mark on a firearm. A person who\ncontravenes the proposed new section 12A will be liable on conviction to a fine of one\nhundred thousand dollars or to imprisonment for a term of ten years, or to both.\nClause 12 amends section 15 of the principal Act to provide for, among other things, the\nprohibition on any person being in possession of a prohibited device or a prohibited\nweapon. The clause also provides that an offence in relation to possession is not committed\nwhere the prohibited device is a specified prohibited device that is in the person\u2019s\npossession in accordance with an Order under section 3(1B).\n\nFirearms (Amendment) Bill, 2024\nObjects and Reasons\n\nc\n Introduced\nPage 5\n\nClause 13 amends the principal Act by inserting proposed new section 15A which provides\nfor the prohibition on the storing or stockpiling of specified amounts of prohibited weapons\nand prohibited ammunition. A person who causes to be stored or stockpiled at any premises\ntwo or more prohibited weapons or twenty or more pieces of prohibited ammunition is\nliable on conviction to a fine of two hundred and fifty thousand dollars or to imprisonment\nfor a term of twenty years, or to both.\nClause 14 amends section 18 of the principal Act to provide for offences relating to\npossession a firearm, ammunition or imitation firearm with the intent, and by the means\nthereof, to commit an offence, endanger life, cause serious injury to property, to resist arrest\nor prevent the arrest of another person. A person who contravenes the provision is liable\non conviction to a fine of two hundred and fifty thousand dollars or to imprisonment for a\nterm of thirty-five years, or to both.\nClause 15 inserts a proposed new section 18A in the principal Act, which prohibits the\nassembly, manufacture or supply of any firearm, ammunition or firearm parts kits. The\ndownloading of software with which a firearm may be printed is also prohibited. A person\nwho contravenes the provision commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of\ntwo hundred and fifty thousand dollars or to imprisonment for a term of thirty-five years,\nor to both.\nClause 16 amends section 19 of the principal Act to clarify that under Part 5 of the principal\nAct a reference to a licence or permit for a firearm includes a reference to a licence or\npermit for ammunition.\nClause 17 amends section 21 of the principal Act to provide that no licence or permit shall\nbe granted in relation to any privately made firearm which is assembled from a firearm\nparts kit or from component parts or for any firearm not bearing a serial number or bearing\na mark which has been altered.\nClause 18 provides for the insertion of proposed new section 30A in the principal Act. The\nnew section empowers the Commissioner to collect and store physical and digital ballistic\nsignatures and information relating to firearms in the Islands in the prescribed manner.\nClause 19 amends section 35 of the principal Act to include a reference to ammunition.\nClause 20 amends section 37 of the principal Act to include a reference to ammunition.\nClause 21 provides for the amendment of section 39 of the principal Act to include the new\noffences in section 3(3A) (import or export of a prohibited device or prohibited weapon)\nand 15(5)(c) (possession of a prohibited weapon) as offences to which section 39 applies.\n(Section 39 of the principal Act provides for minimum sentences for certain offences).\nThe clause also provides for an increase in the minimum sentence to ten years where the\nindividual pleads guilty and, in any other case, an increase to fifteen years where there are\nno exceptional circumstances. Where the court is of the opinion that there are exceptional\ncircumstances relating to the offence or the offender, the court shall impose instead a\nsentence of imprisonment for a term of at least eight years where the individual pleads\nguilty and in any other case the court shall impose a sentence of imprisonment for a term\nof at least twelve years. The clause also empowers the court to impose a non-custodial\n\nObjects and Reasons\nFirearms (Amendment) Bill, 2024\n\nPage 6\n Introduced\nc\n\nsentence in respect of an offence under section 3(3) where the court is of the opinion that\nthere are exceptional circumstances relating to the offence or the offender and the offence\nrelates only to the importation or exportation of ammunition.\nClause 22 amends section 40 the principal Act to repeal and substitute the provisions\nrelating to the restriction on eligibility for release on licence \u2014\n(a) to correct typographical errors in the cross references in the principal Act; and\n(b) to include the new offence relating to the restriction on importation and\nexportation of prohibited devices and prohibited weapons in the list of offences\nfor which there is a restriction on eligibility for release on licence.\nClause 23 amends section 41 of the principal Act to to include a reference to ammunition.\nClause 24 amends section 44 of the principal Act to include members of the Cayman\nIslands Coast Guard in the persons to whom the legislation does not apply in respect of the\npossession of a firearm, ammunition, bullet-proof vest, prohibited device or prohibited\nweapon in the course of the member\u2019s duties.\nClause 25 sets out the transitional provisions. The clause provides that the provisions in\nthe legislation shall not affect any legal proceedings which are pending immediately before\nthe commencement of the legislation.\n\nFirearms (Amendment) Bill, 2024\nArrangement of Clauses\n\nc\n Introduced\nPage 7\n\nCAYMAN ISLANDS\n\nFIREARMS (AMENDMENT) BILL, 2024\n\nArrangement of Clauses\nClause\nPage\n1.\nShort title ...................................................................................................................................9\n2.\nAmendment of section 2 of the Firearms Act (2008 Revision) - definitions and\ninterpretation..............................................................................................................................9\n3.\nAmendment of section 3 - restriction on importation or exportation of firearms and bulletproof vests ............................................................................................................................... 13\n4.\nRepeal and substitution of section 4 - travellers to make declaration of firearms and\nbullet-proof vests ..................................................................................................................... 15\n5.\nRepeal and substitution of section 5 - traveller\u2019s option ............................................................ 15\n6.\nRepeal and substitution of section 6 - custody of firearms and bullet-proof vests by\ncustoms officer ........................................................................................................................ 16\n7.\nAmendment of section 7 - firearms and bullet-proof vests not to be deemed to be\nimported into the Islands in certain circumstances ................................................................... 17\n8.\nAmendment of section 8 - restrictions upon acquisition or disposal of firearms and bulletproof vests ............................................................................................................................... 17\n9.\nAmendment of section 9 - restrictions on delivery of firearms ................................................... 18\n10.\nInsertion of new section 9A - restriction on acquisition: two or more manufacturers of\ncomponent parts ...................................................................................................................... 18\n11.\nInsertion of new section 12A - restrictions relating to alteration of ballistic signature or\nconversion into firearm............................................................................................................. 19\n12.\nAmendment of section 15 - possession and use of firearms and bullet-proof vests .................. 19\n13.\nInsertion of new section 15A - prohibition on storing or stockpiling prohibited weapons\nand prohibited ammunition ....................................................................................................... 20\n14.\nAmendment of section 18 - restriction relating to the discharge and carriage of firearms\nand the wearing of bullet-proof vests ....................................................................................... 21\n\nArrangement of Clauses\nFirearms (Amendment) Bill, 2024\n\nPage 8\n Introduced\nc\n\n15.\nInsertion of new section 18A - prohibition on manufacture or supply of firearms or\nammunition .............................................................................................................................. 21\n16.\nAmendment of section 19 - types of licences and permits ........................................................ 22\n17.\nAmendment of section 21 - general provisions as to grant and issue of licences and\npermits .................................................................................................................................... 22\n18.\nInsertion of new section 30A - collection and storage of ballistic signatures ............................. 22\n19.\nAmendment of section 35 - search warrants ............................................................................ 22\n20.\nAmendment of section 37 - custody of firearms ....................................................................... 22\n21.\nAmendment of section 39 - minimum sentences for certain offences ....................................... 23\n22.\nRepeal and substitution of section 40 - restriction on eligibility for release on licence ............... 24\n23.\nAmendment of section 41 - forfeiture of firearms ...................................................................... 24\n24.\nAmendment of section 44 - when provisions shall not apply .................................................... 24\n25.\nTransitional .............................................................................................................................. 25\n\nFirearms (Amendment) Bill, 2024\nClause 1\n\nc\n Introduced\nPage 9\n\nCAYMAN ISLANDS\n\nFIREARMS (AMENDMENT) BILL, 2024\n\nA BILL FOR AN ACT TO AMEND THE FIREARMS ACT (2008 REVISION) TO AMEND\nTHE DEFINITION OF \u201cFIREARM\u201d; TO PROVIDE DEFINITIONS FOR, AMONG OTHER\nWORDS, \u201cPRIVATELY MADE FIREARM\u201d, \u201cPROHIBITED DEVICE\u201d AND \u201cPROHIBITED\nWEAPON\u201d; TO PROVIDE FOR OFFENCES RELATING TO, AMONG OTHER THINGS,\nTHE IMPORTATION OF PROHIBITED DEVICES AND PROHIBITED WEAPONS; TO\nPROVIDE FOR THE BAN ON THE MANUFACTURE OF FIREARMS AND THE\nALTERATION OR CONVERSION OF FIREARMS; TO EMPOWER THE COMMISSIONER\nTO COLLECT BALLISTIC SIGNATURES AND INFORMATION RELATING TO\nFIREARMS IN THE ISLANDS; AND FOR INCIDENTAL AND CONNECTED PURPOSES\nENACTED by the Legislature of the Cayman Islands.\n1.\nShort title\n1.\nThis Act may be cited as the Firearms (Amendment) Act, 2024.\n2.\nAmendment of section 2 of the Firearms Act (2008 Revision) - definitions and\ninterpretation\n2.\nThe Firearms Act (2008 Revision), in this Act referred to as the \u201cprincipal Act\u201d, is\namended in section 2 as follows \u2014\n(a)\nby deleting the section heading and substituting the following section\nheading \u2014\n\nClause 2\nFirearms (Amendment) Bill, 2024\n\nPage 10\n Introduced\nc\n\n\u201cInterpretation\u201d;\n(b) by deleting the definition of the word \u201cfirearm\u201d and substituting the\nfollowing definition \u2014\n\u201c \u201cfirearm\u201d means \u2014\n(a)\nany \u2014\n(i)\nlethal barrelled weapon which discharges, is designed to\ndischarge, or may be readily converted or adapted to\ndischarge a shot, bullet or other projectile by the action of\nan explosive or any other mechanism;\n(ii) prohibited weapon, unless the context requires otherwise;\nor\n(iii) weapon under subparagraph (i) or (ii) that is a privately\nmade firearm, that is created either by a 3D printer, a\ncomputer numerical control milling machine or through\nthe use of electronic software or downloadable files;\n(b) a part or component part of any weapon referred to in paragraph\n(a);\n(c)\na firearm parts kit that is designed to, or may be easily\ncompleted, assembled, restored or otherwise converted, as a\nfirearm;\n(d) an accessory to a firearm designed or adapted to diminish the\nnoise or flash caused by firing the firearm; or\n(e)\nany air gun (including any air pistol), air rifle or any other air\nweapon as may be prescribed,\nbut does not include \u2014\n(i)\nan antique firearm; or\n(ii) an airsoft weapon or flare gun used for sending signals or\ncarried as a necessary part of safety equipment in the\ncourse of navigation at sea except where the flare gun is\nadapted to discharge ammunition;\u201d;\n(c)\nby deleting the definition of the words \u201cprohibited firearm\u201d; and\n(d) by inserting in the appropriate alphabetical sequence, the following\ndefinitions \u2014\n\u201c \u201cairsoft weapon\u201d means a barrelled weapon of any description\nwhich is designed to discharge only a small plastic or gel-like\nprojectile;\n\u201cammunition\u201d means a complete cartridge or round, or any\ncomponent of a cartridge or round, and includes any \u2014\n(a)\ncartridge case;\n\nFirearms (Amendment) Bill, 2024\nClause 2\n\nc\n Introduced\nPage 11\n\n(b) primer;\n(c) propellant; or\n(d) bullet, shot or projectile,\ndesigned for use in any firearm;\n\u201cantique firearm\u201d means any firearm manufactured in or before\n1898 (or its replica) and which \u2014\n(a)\nis not designed or redesigned for using ammunition; and\n(b) is possessed as a curiosity or an ornament;\n\u201cautomatic firearm\u201d means any firearm so designed or adapted that\nif the trigger is fully depressed, or if pressure is applied, it\ncontinuously discharges ammunition until the trigger is released or\npressure is removed from the trigger or the ammunition feed system\nis exhausted;\n\u201cautomatic sear\u201d means a conversion device that is designed to\nconvert a firearm from a semi-automatic firearm to an automatic\nfirearm and which enables the user to fire or discharge automatically\nmore than one shot or projectile, without manual reloading, by a\nsingle function or pull of the trigger;\n\u201cballistic signature\u201d means any unique mark left on ammunition or\nammunition component that is fired or cycled through a firearm;\n\u201ccomponent part\u201d, in relation to a firearm, means any element or\nreplacement element specifically designed for a firearm which\nincludes \u2014\n(a) a barrel;\n(b) a frame or receiver;\n(c) a magazine;\n(d) a firing pin;\n(e) a main spring;\n(f)\na slide or cylinder;\n(g) a bolt or breech block,\nand any other part deemed essential for the functional operation of\nthe firearm;\n\u201ccustoms and border control officer\u201d has the same meaning as in\nthe Customs and Border Control Act (2024);\n\u201cflare gun\u201d includes a signal pistol;\n\u201cframe\u201d or \u201creceiver\u201d includes \u2014\n(a) a partially completed, disassembled or non-functional frame or\nreceiver of a firearm; and\n\nClause 2\nFirearms (Amendment) Bill, 2024\n\nPage 12\n Introduced\nc\n\n(b) an eighty per cent frame or receiver parts kit, with or without a\njig, that is designed, or may readily be assembled or restored or\notherwise converted, to function as a frame or receiver;\n\u201cjig\u201d means \u2014\n(a)\na metal or polymer plate used to maintain the correct positional\nrelationship between a tool and a firearm receiver or frame\ncasting during the build out of a firearm receiver or frame; or\n(b) a fixture that helps to locate the necessary holes and slots that\nmust be drilled and milled into an incomplete receiver or frame\ncasting;\n\u201cofficer of the Coast Guard\u201d means a commissioned officer or a\nnon-commissioned officer of the Cayman Islands Coast Guard\nestablished under section 3 of the Cayman Islands Coast Guard Act,\n2021;\n\u201cprivately made firearm\u201d means a firearm made by a person other\nthan a licensed firearm manufacturer and without a serial number\nplaced by a licensed firearm manufacturer;\n\u201cprohibited ammunition\u201d means any \u2014\n(a) projectile manufactured to be discharged from any artillery;\n(b) incendiary type ammunition;\n(c) armour piercing or similar ammunition;\n(d) ammunition capable of containing a noxious liquid, gas or thing,\nor designed or adapted to contain a noxious liquid, gas or thing;\n(e) ammunition in a quantity exceeding twenty cartridges or rounds\nof the same or different calibre or manufacturer;\n(f) ammunition that expands on impact or changes its components\non or before impact; or\n(g) other type or calibre of ammunition as may be prescribed;\n\u201cprohibited device\u201d means any \u2014\n(a) electroshock weapon;\n(b) airsoft weapon;\n(c) jig;\n(d) tranquilizer gun;\n(e) device of any description or design that is adapted for the\ndischarge of noxious liquid or gas; or\n(f)\nany other device as may be prescribed;\n\u201cprohibited weapon\u201d means any \u2014\n(a)\nartillery;\n\nFirearms (Amendment) Bill, 2024\nClause 3\n\nc\n Introduced\nPage 13\n\n(b) automatic firearm including a machine gun;\n(c)\nfirearm converted or adapted to be a prohibited weapon;\n(d) burst-fire weapon;\n(e)\nautomatic sear;\n(f)\nsubmachine gun;\n(g) part or component part of a prohibited weapon;\n(h) form of grenade or grenade launcher, bomb or explosive device;\n(i)\nmissile or missile launcher;\n(j)\nautomatic firearm or weapon of any description or design that\nis adapted for the discharge of noxious liquid or gas;\n(k) prohibited ammunition;\n(l)\nreloader;\n(m) firearm disguised or made to appear as another object;\n(n) imitation of a prohibited weapon; or\n(o) other weapon as may be prescribed;\n\u201creloader\u201d means a reloading press, a reloading machine or any\nmechanical device for loading ammunition; and\n\u201c3D printed firearm\u201d means a lethal barrelled weapon which\ndischarges or is designed to discharge any shot, bullet or other\nprojectile and that is mostly produced or manufactured with a 3D\nprinter or any type of electronic software.\u201d.\n3.\nAmendment of section 3 - restriction on importation or exportation of\nfirearms and bullet-proof vests\n3.\nThe principal Act is amended in section 3 as follows \u2014\n(a)\nby deleting the section heading and substituting the following section\nheading \u2014\n\u201cRestriction on importation or exportation of firearms,\nammunition, prohibited devices and bullet-proof vests\u201d;\n(b) in subsection (1), by deleting the words \u201cNo person shall import into or\nexport from the Islands a firearm\u201d and substituting the words \u201cA person\nshall not import into or export from the Islands a firearm or ammunition\u201d;\n(c)\nby inserting after subsection (1) the following subsections \u2014\n\u201c(1A)A person shall not import into or export from the Islands \u2014\n(a)\nsubject to subsection (1B), any prohibited device; or\n(b) any prohibited weapon.\n\nClause 3\nFirearms (Amendment) Bill, 2024\n\nPage 14\n Introduced\nc\n\n(1B) The Cabinet may, by Order published in the Gazette permit the\nimportation of such specified prohibited devices as it sees fit and the\nOrder may include requirements regarding possession and use of the\nspecified prohibited devices.\u201d;\n(d) by repealing subsection (3) and substituting the following subsections \u2014\n\u201c(3) A person who contravenes subsection (1) commits an offence and,\nsubject to section 39, is liable on conviction to a fine of one hundred\nthousand dollars or to imprisonment for a term of twenty years, or to\nboth, except that where the firearm is a prohibited weapon the person\nis liable on conviction to the penalty under subsection (3A)(b).\n(3A) Subject to subsections (3B) and (3C), a person who contravenes \u2014\n(a)\nsubsection (1A)(a) commits an offence and, subject to section\n39, is liable on conviction to a fine of one hundred thousand\ndollars or to imprisonment for a term of ten years, or to both; or\n(b) subsection (1A)(b) commits an offence and, subject to section\n39, is liable on conviction to a fine of two hundred and fifty\nthousand dollars or to imprisonment for a term of thirty-five\nyears, or to both.\n(3B) For the purposes of subsection (3A)(a), an offence in relation to\nimportation is not committed where the prohibited device is a\nspecified prohibited device permitted by Order under subsection\n(1B).\n(3C) Where the contravention under subsection (3A)(b) is in respect of a\nreloader, the person is liable on conviction to a fine of one hundred\nthousand dollars or to imprisonment for a term of twenty years, or to\nboth.\u201d; and\n(e)\nby repealing subsection (4) and substituting the following subsection \u2014\n\u201c(4) A person who contravenes subsection (2) commits an offence and is\nliable on conviction to a fine of one hundred thousand dollars or to\nimprisonment for a term of twenty years, or to both.\u201d.\n\nFirearms (Amendment) Bill, 2024\nClause 4\n\nc\n Introduced\nPage 15\n\n4.\nRepeal and substitution of section 4 - travellers to make declaration of\nfirearms and bullet-proof vests\n4.\nThe principal Act is amended by repealing section 4 and substituting the following\nsection \u2014\n\u201cTravellers to make declaration of firearms, ammunition and bulletproof vests\n4.\n(1) A traveller who disembarks in the Islands and has a firearm,\nammunition or a bullet-proof vest in his or her possession or control\nshall make a declaration regarding the firearm or ammunition in the\nprescribed form.\n(2) A person who contravenes subsection (1) commits an offence and is\nliable on conviction to a fine of one hundred thousand dollars or to\nimprisonment for a term of twenty years, or to both.\n(3) A customs and border control officer who has reasonable cause to\nbelieve that a traveller disembarking in the Islands has in that\ntraveller\u2019s possession or control any firearm, ammunition or bulletproof vest for which a declaration has not been made under\nsubsection (1), may search the traveller and the traveller\u2019s baggage\nand any firearm, ammunition or bullet-proof vest found shall be\nforfeited to the Crown.\n(4) The powers conferred by this section are in addition to and not in\nderogation from the powers of search conferred by the Customs and\nBorder Control Act (2024 Revision).\u201d.\n5.\nRepeal and substitution of section 5 - traveller\u2019s option\n5.\nThe principal Act is amended by repealing section 5 and substituting the following\nsection \u2014\n\u201cTraveller\u2019s option\n5.\n(1) Subject to subsection (2), a traveller who declares under section 4\nthat there is a firearm, ammunition or a bullet-proof vest in the\ntraveller\u2019s possession or control shall either \u2014\n(a)\ncause the firearm, ammunition or bullet-proof vest to be\nretained on the vessel or aircraft on which the traveller arrived\ninto the Islands until the vessel or aircraft departs from the\nIslands; or\n(b) as soon as the traveller arrives in the Islands, deliver the firearm,\nammunition or bullet-proof vest to a customs and border control\nofficer in a sealed packet to be dealt with in accordance with\nsection 6,\n\nClause 6\nFirearms (Amendment) Bill, 2024\n\nPage 16\n Introduced\nc\n\nunless the traveller \u2014\n(i)\nin respect of the firearm or ammunition, is the holder of a\npermit under section 19(2)(a) and a licence under section\n19(2)(e); or\n(ii) in respect of the bullet-proof vest, has the written approval\nof the Commissioner under section 3(2) authorising the\nimportation into the Islands,\nin which event the traveller shall pay the appropriate duty and the\nfirearm, ammunition or bullet-proof vest shall be delivered to the\ntraveller.\n(2) A traveller who intends to utilise the traveller\u2019s option \u2014\n(a)\nunder subsection (1)(a) shall notify the Commissioner in\nwriting of the traveller\u2019s intention to utilise the option prior to\narrival in the Islands; or\n(b) under subsection (1)(b) shall obtain the written approval of the\nCommissioner to utilise the option prior to arrival in the Islands,\nand present the respective notification or approval to the customs and\nborder control officer when required to do so.\n(3) The firearm, ammunition or bullet-proof vest under subsection (1)(a)\nmay be retained on the vessel or aircraft for up to such period of time\nas may be prescribed.\n(4) A person who contravenes subsection (1) commits an offence and is\nliable on conviction to fine of one hundred thousand dollars or to\nimprisonment for a term of twenty years, or to both.\u201d.\n6.\nRepeal and substitution of section 6 - custody of firearms and bullet-proof\nvests by customs officer\n6.\nThe principal Act is amended by repealing section 6 and substituting the following\nsection \u2014\n\u201cCustody of firearms, ammunition and bullet-proof vests\n6.\n(1) Subject to subsections (2) and (3), any firearm, ammunition or bulletproof vest received by a customs and border control officer under\nsection 5(1)(b) shall be retained in the sealed packet in which it is\nreceived until the traveller gives notice in writing to the Director of\nCustoms and Border Control, within the period of time as may be\nprescribed, specifying \u2014\n(a)\nthe port at which the traveller intends to embark for a place\noutside of the Islands; and\n\nFirearms (Amendment) Bill, 2024\nClause 7\n\nc\n Introduced\nPage 17\n\n(b) the date, time and vessel on which the traveller intends to\nembark,\nin which event the sealed packet containing the firearm, ammunition\nor bullet-proof vest shall be delivered to the traveller immediately\nbefore embarkation.\n(2) Where the traveller fails to \u2014\n(a)\nproduce the permit or the Commissioner\u2019s written approval\nauthorising the importation of the firearm, ammunition or\nbullet-proof vest; or\n(b) give notice in writing specifying the port, date, time and vessel\non which the traveller intends to embark within the period of\ntime as may be prescribed for doing so,\nthe firearm, ammunition or bullet-proof vest may be forfeited to the\nCrown.\n(3) A firearm, ammunition or bullet-proof vest may be retained by\nCustoms and Border Control under subsection (1) up to such period\nof time as may be prescribed.\u201d.\n7.\nAmendment of section 7 - firearms and bullet-proof vests not to be deemed\nto be imported into the Islands in certain circumstances\n7.\nThe principal Act is amended in section 7 as follows \u2014\n(a)\nby deleting the section heading and substituting the following section\nheading \u2014\n\u201cCircumstances where firearms, ammunition and bullet-proof\nvests not considered as imported\u201d; and\n(b) by deleting the words \u201cfirearm or bullet-proof vest\u201d wherever they appear\nand substituting the words \u201cfirearm, ammunition or bullet-proof vest\u201d.\n8.\nAmendment of section 8 - restrictions upon acquisition or disposal of\nfirearms and bullet-proof vests\n8.\nThe principal Act is amended in section 8 as follows \u2014\n(a)\nby deleting the section heading and substituting the following section\nheading \u2014\n\u201cRestrictions\non\nacquisition\nor\ndisposal\nof\nfirearms,\nammunition and bullet-proof vests\u201d;\n(b) by inserting after subsection (3) the following subsection \u2014\n\u201c(3A)A person shall not sell, give away, purchase or accept the gift of\nammunition unless the person is the holder of a licence or permit\n\nClause 9\nFirearms (Amendment) Bill, 2024\n\nPage 18\n Introduced\nc\n\nwhich authorises that person to possess, use, import, export, transfer\nor dispose of that ammunition.\u201d;\n(c)\nin subsection (4), by deleting the words \u201cfirearm pursuant to any sale or\ngift of such firearm\u201d and substituting the words \u201cfirearm or ammunition\npursuant to any sale or gift of the firearm or ammunition\u201d;\n(d) in subsection (5), by deleting the words \u201cfirearm pursuant to any sale or\ngift of such firearm\u201d and substituting the words \u201cfirearm or ammunition\npursuant to any sale or gift of the firearm or ammunition\u201d; and\n(e)\nby repealing subsection (7) and substituting the following subsection \u2014\n\u201c(7) A person who contravenes this section commits an offence and is\nliable on conviction to a fine of one hundred thousand dollars or to\nimprisonment for a term of twenty years, or to both.\u201d.\n9.\nAmendment of section 9 - restrictions on delivery of firearms\n9.\nThe principal Act is amended in section 9 as follows \u2014\n(a)\nby deleting the section heading and substituting the following section\nheading \u2014\n\u201cRestrictions on delivery of firearms and ammunition\u201d; and\n(b) by deleting the word \u201cfirearm\u201d wherever it appears and substituting the\nwords \u201cfirearm or ammunition\u201d.\n10.\nInsertion of new section 9A - restriction on acquisition: two or more\nmanufacturers of component parts\n10. The principal Act is amended by inserting after section 9 the following section \u2014\n\u201cRestriction on acquisition: two or more manufacturers of\ncomponent parts\n9A. (1) A person shall not import or acquire a firearm where the component\nparts are manufactured by two or more manufacturers except where\nthe addition of the component parts is done during the manufacturing\nor assembling process by the primary manufacturer of the firearm.\n(2) A person who contravenes subsection (1) commits an offence and is\nliable on conviction to a fine of one hundred thousand dollars or to\nimprisonment for a term of twenty years, or to both.\u201d.\n\nFirearms (Amendment) Bill, 2024\nClause 11\n\nc\n Introduced\nPage 19\n\n11.\nInsertion of new section 12A - restrictions relating to alteration of ballistic\nsignature or conversion into firearm\n11. The principal Act is amended by inserting after section 12 the following section \u2014\n\u201cRestrictions relating to alteration of ballistic signature or\nconversion into firearm\n12A. (1) A person shall not \u2014\n(a)\ndo anything to a firearm which alters the ballistic signature of\nthe firearm;\n(b) convert into a firearm anything which is not a firearm;\n(c)\nremove, alter, modify or in any other manner tamper with any\nmark on a firearm or ammunition.\n(2) A person who contravenes subsection (1) commits an offence and is\nliable on conviction to a fine of one hundred thousand dollars or to\nimprisonment for a term of ten years, or to both.\n(3) For the purposes of this section, \u201cmark\u201d, in relation to a firearm or\nammunition, includes \u2014\n(a)\nthe name of the manufacturer;\n(b) the serial number;\n(c)\nthe make, model or type;\n(d) the calibre of the firearm;\n(e)\nthe country of manufacture;\n(f)\nthe date of manufacture; and\n(g) any proof mark,\nas may be marked, etched or otherwise imprinted on the firearm or\nammunition.\u201d.\n12.\nAmendment of section 15 - possession and use of firearms and bullet-proof\nvests\n12. The principal Act is amended in section 15 as follows \u2014\n(a)\nby deleting the section heading and substituting the following section\nheading \u2014\n\u201cPossession of firearms, ammunition, bullet-proof vests and\nprohibited devices\u201d;\n(b) by deleting the words \u201cany firearm\u201d wherever they appear and substituting\nthe words \u201cany firearm or ammunition\u201d;\n(c)\nby deleting the words \u201csuch firearm\u201d wherever they appear and\nsubstituting the words \u201cthe firearm or ammunition\u201d;\n\nClause 13\nFirearms (Amendment) Bill, 2024\n\nPage 20\n Introduced\nc\n\n(d) by inserting after subsection (4) the following subsection \u2014\n\u201c(4A)A person shall not be in possession of \u2014\n(a) a prohibited device; or\n(b) a prohibited weapon.\u201d; and\n(e)\nby repealing subsection (5) and substituting the following subsections\u2014\n\u201c(5) Subject to subsections (6) and (7), a person who contravenes \u2014\n(a)\nsubsection (1) or (3) commits an offence and, subject to section\n39, is liable on conviction to a fine of one hundred thousand\ndollars or to imprisonment for a term of twenty years, or to both\nexcept that where the firearm is a prohibited weapon the person\nis liable on conviction to the penalty under paragraph (c);\n(b) subsection (4A)(a) commits an offence and is liable on\nconviction to a fine of one hundred thousand dollars or to\nimprisonment for a term of ten years, or to both; and\n(c)\nsubsection (4A)(b) commits an offence and is liable on\nconviction to a fine of two hundred and fifty thousand dollars\nor to imprisonment for a term of thirty-five years, or to both.\n(6) For the purposes of subsection (5)(b), an offence in relation to\npossession is not committed where the prohibited device is a\nspecified prohibited device that is in the person\u2019s possession in\naccordance with an Order under section 3(1B).\n(7) Where the contravention under subsection (4A)(b) is in respect of a\nreloader, the person is liable on conviction to a fine of one hundred\nthousand dollars or to imprisonment for a term of twenty years, or to\nboth.\u201d.\n13.\nInsertion of new section 15A - prohibition on storing or stockpiling\nprohibited weapons and prohibited ammunition\n13. The principal Act is amended by inserting after section 15 the following section \u2014\n\u201cProhibition on storing or stockpiling prohibited weapons and\nprohibited ammunition\n15A. (1) A person shall not store or stockpile or cause to be stored or\nstockpiled at any premises \u2014\n(a)\ntwo or more prohibited weapons; or\n(b) twenty or more pieces of prohibited ammunition of the same or\ndifferent calibre.\n\nFirearms (Amendment) Bill, 2024\nClause 14\n\nc\n Introduced\nPage 21\n\n(2) A person who contravenes subsection (1) commits an offence and is\nliable on conviction to a fine of two hundred and fifty thousand\ndollars or to imprisonment for a term of thirty-five years, or to both.\u201d.\n14.\nAmendment of section 18 - restriction relating to the discharge and carriage\nof firearms and the wearing of bullet-proof vests\n14. The principal Act is amended in section 18 as follows \u2014\n(a)\nby repealing subsection (6) and substituting the following subsection \u2014\n\u201c(6) A person who has in his or her possession a firearm, an imitation\nfirearm, ammunition or a prohibited device with intent and by means\nof the firearm, imitation firearm, ammunition or prohibited device \u2014\n(a) to commit an offence;\n(b) to endanger life or cause serious injury to property;\n(c)\nto resist arrest or prevent the arrest of another person; or\n(d) to enable another person to endanger life or cause serious injury\nto property,\nwhether any injury to person or property has been caused or not,\ncommits an offence and, subject to section 39, is liable on conviction\nto a fine of two hundred and fifty thousand dollars or to imprisonment\nfor a term of thirty-five years, or to both.\u201d; and\n(b) in subsection (8), by deleting the words \u201cfirearm, imitation firearm or\nbullet-proof vest\u201d and substituting the words \u201cfirearm, an imitation\nfirearm, ammunition, a prohibited device or a bullet-proof vest\u201d.\n15.\nInsertion of new section 18A - prohibition on manufacture or supply of\nfirearms or ammunition\n15. The principal Act is amended by inserting after section 18 the following section \u2014\n\u201cProhibition on manufacture or supply of firearms or ammunition\n18A. (1) A person shall not assemble, manufacture or supply any firearm,\nammunition or firearm parts kit.\n(2) A person shall not download or have in the person\u2019s possession a 3D\nprinter or any type of electronic software with which a 3D printed\nfirearm may be printed.\n(3) A person who contravenes this section commits an offence and is\nliable on conviction to a fine of two hundred and fifty thousand\ndollars or to imprisonment for a term of thirty-five years, or to both.\u201d.\n\nClause 16\nFirearms (Amendment) Bill, 2024\n\nPage 22\n Introduced\nc\n\n16.\nAmendment of section 19 - types of licences and permits\n16. The principal Act is amended in section 19 by renumbering the section as subsection\n(2) and inserting immediately before the renumbered subsection the following\nsubsection \u2014\n\u201c(1) In this Part, a reference to a licence or permit for a firearm includes a\nreference to a licence or permit for ammunition.\u201d.\n17.\nAmendment of section 21 - general provisions as to grant and issue of\nlicences and permits\n17. The principal Act is amended in section 21 as follows \u2014\n(a)\nin subsection (3), by deleting the words \u201cprohibited firearm\u201d and\nsubstituting the words \u201cprohibited weapon\u201d; and\n(b) by inserting after subsection (3) the following subsection \u2014\n\u201c(3A)A licence or permit shall not be granted \u2014\n(a)\nin relation to any privately made firearm assembled from a\nfirearm parts kit or component parts; or\n(b) in relation to any firearm without a serial number or with any\nmark on the firearm altered.\u201d.\n18.\nInsertion of new section 30A - collection and storage of ballistic signatures\n18. The principal Act is amended by inserting after section 30 the following section \u2014\n\u201cCollection and storage of ballistic signatures\n30A. The Commissioner shall collect and store \u2014\n(a)\nphysical and digital ballistic signatures; and\n(b) information relating to firearms in the Islands,\nat such times and in such manner as may be prescribed.\u201d.\n19.\nAmendment of section 35 - search warrants\n19. The principal Act is amended in section 35 by deleting the words \u201cfirearm or bulletproof vest\u201d wherever they appear and substituting the words \u201cfirearm, ammunition or\nbullet-proof vest\u201d.\n20.\nAmendment of section 37 - custody of firearms\n20. The principal Act is amended in section 37 as follows \u2014\n(a)\nin subsection (1) as follows \u2014\n(i)\nby deleting the words \u201cany firearm\u201d and substituting the words \u201cany\nfirearm or ammunition\u201d; and\n\nFirearms (Amendment) Bill, 2024\nClause 21\n\nc\n Introduced\nPage 23\n\n(ii) by deleting the words \u201csuch firearm\u201d wherever they appear and\nsubstituting the words \u201cthe firearm or ammunition\u201d;\n(b) in subsection (2), by repealing paragraph (a); and\n(c)\nin subsection (6) as follows \u2014\n(i)\nby deleting the words \u201cEvery firearm\u201d and substituting the words\n\u201cAny firearm, ammunition\u201d; and\n(ii) by deleting the words \u201csuch firearm\u201d wherever they appear and\nsubstituting the words \u201cthe firearm or ammunition\u201d.\n21.\nAmendment of section 39 - minimum sentences for certain offences\n21. The principal Act is amended in section 39 as follows \u2014\n(a)\nin subsection (1)(a), by deleting the words \u201cunder section 3(3), 15(5)\u201d and\nsubstituting the words \u201cunder section 3(3), 3(3A), 15(5)(a), 15(5)(c),\u201d;\n(b) in subsection (2) as follows \u2014\n(i)\nin paragraph (a), by deleting the words \u201cat least seven years\u201d and\nsubstituting the words \u201cat least ten years\u201d;\n(ii) in paragraph (b), by deleting the words \u201cat least ten years\u201d and\nsubstituting the words \u201cat least fifteen years\u201d; and\n(c)\nby inserting after subsection (2) the following subsections \u2014\n\u201c(2A) Subject to subsection (2B), where the relevant court under\nsubsection (2) is of the opinion that there are exceptional\ncircumstances relating to the offence or the offender, the court shall\nimpose instead \u2014\n(a)\nin a case where the individual pleads guilty, a sentence of\nimprisonment for a term of at least eight years (with or without\na fine); and\n(b) in any other case, a sentence of imprisonment for a term of at\nleast twelve years (with or without a fine).\n(2B) Where, in respect of an offence under section 3(3) \u2014\n(a) the relevant court under subsection (2) is of the opinion that\nthere are exceptional circumstances relating to the offence or\nthe offender; and\n(b) the offence relates only to the importation or exportation of\nammunition,\nthe court may, in its discretion, impose a non-custodial sentence.\u201d.\n\nClause 22\nFirearms (Amendment) Bill, 2024\n\nPage 24\n Introduced\nc\n\n22.\nRepeal and substitution of section 40 - restriction on eligibility for release on\nlicence\n22. The principal Act is amended by repealing section 40 and substituting the following\nsection \u2014\n\u201cRestriction on eligibility for release on licence\n40. Notwithstanding the Conditional Release Act (2019 Revision) or any other\nlaw, a person who \u2014\n(a)\ncontravenes section 3(1) and is convicted and sentenced under\nsection 3(3);\n(b) contravenes section 3(1A) and is convicted and sentenced under\nsection 3(3A);\n(c)\ncontravenes section 15(1) and is convicted and sentenced under\nsection 15(5); or\n(d) contravenes section 18(6) and is convicted and sentenced under\nthat section,\nshall not be eligible to be released on licence.\u201d.\n23.\nAmendment of section 41 - forfeiture of firearms\n23. The principal Act is amended in section 41 as follows \u2014\n(a)\nin paragraph (a), by deleting the words \u201cof any firearm\u201d and substituting\nthe words \u201cof any firearm, ammunition\u201d;\n(b) in paragraph (c), by deleting the words \u201cof any firearm\u201d and substituting\nthe words \u201cof any firearm or ammunition\u201d;\n(c)\nin paragraph (d), by deleting the words \u201cof any firearm\u201d and substituting\nthe words \u201cof any firearm or ammunition\u201d;\n(d) in paragraph (e), by deleting the words \u201cunder section 18(6), (8), (9) and\n10\u201d and substituting the words \u201cunder sections 15A(2), 18(6), 18(8), 18(9)\nand 18(10)\u201d; and\n(e)\nby deleting the words \u201csuch firearm or\u201d wherever they appear and\nsubstituting the words \u201cthe firearm, ammunition or\u201d.\n24.\nAmendment of section 44 - when provisions shall not apply\n24. The principal Act is amended in section 44 as follows \u2014\n(a)\nin paragraph (a), by deleting the words \u201cfirearm or bullet-proof vest\u201d\nwherever they appear and substituting the words \u201cfirearm, ammunition,\nbullet-proof vest, prohibited device or prohibited weapon\u201d;\n(b) in paragraph (b), by deleting the words \u201cfirearm or bullet-proof vest\u201d and\nsubstituting the words \u201cfirearm, ammunition or bullet-proof vest\u201d;\n\nFirearms (Amendment) Bill, 2024\nClause 25\n\nc\n Introduced\nPage 25\n\n(c)\nby repealing paragraph (d) and substituting the following paragraph \u2014\n\u201c(d) any member of \u2014\n(i)\nthe armed forces of His Majesty;\n(ii) the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service;\n(iii) the Cayman Islands Coast Guard;\n(iv) the Prison Service; or\n(v) the Customs and Border Control Service,\nin respect of any firearm, ammunition, bullet-proof vest,\nprohibited device or prohibited weapon in the possession of the\nmember in the course of the member\u2019s duties;\u201d; and\n(d) in paragraph (e), by deleting the words \u201cfirearm or bullet-proof vest\u201d and\nsubstituting the words \u201cfirearm, ammunition or bullet-proof vest\u201d; and\n(e)\nin paragraph (g), by deleting the words \u201cfirearm or bullet-proof vest\u201d and\nsubstituting the words \u201cfirearm, ammunition or bullet-proof vest.\u201d.\n25.\nTransitional\n25. Nothing in any provision of this amending Act shall affect any legal proceedings\nwhich are pending immediately before the commencement of this amending Act.\nPassed by the Parliament the\nday of\n, 2024.\nSpeaker\nClerk of the Parliament","akn_extracted_at":"2026-06-22 15:41:33.122168+00","cms_id":"2024-0005","law_type":"bill","year":"2024","number":"5","title":"Firearms (Amendment) Act, 2024 (Act 5 of 2024)","status":"bill"},"provenance":{"files":[{"file_id":"7126","expr_id":"2327","kind":"akn_xml","filename":"2024-0005.akn.xml","source_url":null,"storage_path":"\/Users\/q\/kyleg-data\/working\/BILLS\/2024\/2024-0005\/2024-0005.akn.xml","content_md5":"6c57d8f3f81531ebff82082c0749d355","byte_size":"49558","http_last_modified":null,"fetched_at":"2026-06-22 15:41:33.450888+00"},{"file_id":"4653","expr_id":"2327","kind":"pristine_pdf","filename":"2024-0005.pdf","source_url":"\/cms\/images\/LEGISLATION\/BILLS\/2024\/2024-0005\/2024-0005.pdf","storage_path":"\/Users\/q\/kyleg-data\/pristine\/BILLS\/2024\/2024-0005\/2024-0005.pdf","content_md5":"90baa86929f06dde35f1892a25dc7839","byte_size":"964736","http_last_modified":null,"fetched_at":"2026-06-16 04:01:11.365711+00"},{"file_id":"4654","expr_id":"2327","kind":"working_pdf","filename":"2024-0005.pdf","source_url":"\/cms\/images\/LEGISLATION\/BILLS\/2024\/2024-0005\/2024-0005.pdf","storage_path":"\/Users\/q\/kyleg-data\/working\/BILLS\/2024\/2024-0005\/2024-0005.pdf","content_md5":"90baa86929f06dde35f1892a25dc7839","byte_size":"964736","http_last_modified":null,"fetched_at":"2026-06-16 04:01:11.365711+00"}],"paragraph_count":18,"latest_history":null},"quality":{"expr_id":"2327","doc_id":"2327","quality_state":"needs_review","quality_score":"84","needs_human_review":"t","deterministic_categories":"{duplicate_text,page_header_footer_noise}","llm_categories":"{}","repair_actions":"{collapse_duplicate_text,strip_page_furniture}","finding_severity_counts":"{\"low\": 1, \"medium\": 1}","finding_summary":"repeated line furniture detected: cayman islands x3; firearms amendment bill 2024 x26; introduced x24; duplicate-line ratio is 13.21%","assessed_at":"2026-06-22 15:29:46.396103+00","updated_at":"2026-06-22 15:29:46.396103+00"}}