Gun laws in Puerto Rico
Gun laws in Puerto Rico regulate the sale, possession, and use of firearms and ammunition in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. As a commonwealth of the United States, Puerto Rico is subject to US federal laws and constitutional rulings.[1][2]
Summary table
| Subject/Law | Long guns | Handguns | Relevant statutes | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Permit to purchase? | No | No | Firearms purchases are subject to the requirements of US federal law | |
| Firearm registration? | No | No | ||
| Assault weapon law? | No | No | ||
| Magazine capacity restriction? | No | No | ||
| Owner license required? | No | No | ||
| Carry permits issued? | No | Situation Unclear | ||
| Open carry? | Yes | Situation Unclear | ||
| NFA weapons restricted? | Yes | Yes | Automatic firearms are prohibited. | |
| Peaceable journey laws? | No | No | Federal law (FOPA) applies. |
Licensing process
Individuals who wish to purchase a firearm to keep at home (known as a license to possess, or licencia de posesión de armas) must be 21 years or older, be a US citizen or legal resident of Puerto Rico, never have renounced US citizenship, not be under a restraining order, submit a notarized application, three character references from individuals who are not close relatives of the applicant, proof of non-delinquency in child support payments, fingerprints, photographs, and pay a $100 fee. The license holder is limited to possessing two firearms (there is an exception for firearms acquired through inheritance), purchasing up to 50 bullets per year per firearm possessed, and may only purchase ammunition of the firearms' caliber. If any of the bullets are used or lost, police authorization is required in order to replenish them. After the license is granted, the police are authorized to "passively, without disturbing the peace and tranquility of the individual under investigation or violating the privacy of the home"[3] continue investigating the license holder to ensure that no false information was provided by the applicant during the application process. The license must be renewed every five years by submitting a sworn statement and paying a $100 fee.
The government issues different licenses for those who wish to engage in hunting or target practice. These other licenses require additional fees and relax restrictions on the number of firearms and bullets the license holder may possess. Applicants for a concealed carry permit are required to testify before a judge that they fear for their safety or have a legitimate need to carry a firearm.[4] Carrying a firearm without a license is considered prima facie evidence of intent to commit a crime.
Despite these restrictions, in 2014 there was a 56% increase in the number of licenses issued compared to the previous year. The police attributed the increase to the people's desire for "more protection."[5]
Legal challenges
In 2015, as a result of a class-action lawsuit with over 800 plaintiffs, a lower court ruled that several provisions of the law were unconstitutional. The ruling was overturned after the local government appealed. The plaintiffs appealed to the Puerto Rico Supreme Court, but the Supreme Court declined to hear the case, leaving the appellate court's ruling in place.[6]
In 2016, a firearms instruction company sued the state government in federal court, arguing the unconstitutionality of several provisions of the law. There has been no ruling as of November 2016.[7][8]
References
- ^ "Gun Laws: Puerto Rico", National Rifle Association – Institute for Legislative Action. Retrieved August 03, 2014.
- ^ "Puerto Rico", Handgunlaw.us. Retrieved August 03, 2014.
- ^ "Ley de Armas de Puerto Rico según enmendada hasta el 26 de agosto de 2014". Retrieved November 16, 2016.
- ^ "Puerto Rico Gun Laws Guide", Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Retrieved August 03, 2014.
- ^ "Más Puertorriqueños Armados" ("More Armed Puerto Ricans"), El Nuevo Día. Retrieved August 3, 2014.
- ^ "Tribunal Supremo reitera constitucionalidad de la Ley de Armas" ("Supreme Court reaffirms constitutionality of the Firearms Law"), Noticel. Retrieved November 16, 2016.
- ^ "Text of filing". Retrieved November 16, 2016.
- ^ "Cruz-Kerkado et al v. Commonwealth of Puerto Rico et al". Retrieved December 3, 2016.