Violators of new bump stock ban could spend years behind bars

BOSTON — A state law banning devices designed to make semi-automatic rifles mimic the firing action of fully automatic weapons went into effect Thursday.

Massachusetts State Police said people are now prohibited from possessing bump stocks under all circumstances.

The law passed in November also bans the possession of trigger cranks.

"As of today, if you privately own a bump stock or trigger crank in Mass., you're subject to criminal prosecution and could be up to life in prison," said Natick State Rep. David Linsky.

Massachusetts was the first state to ban bump stocks since the October mass shooting in Las Vegas, in which the shooter used the device to kill 58 people and injured hundreds more.

State police said the first part of the law, which the outlawed the sale or transfer of ownership of the devices, went into effect when the law was signed in November.

Authorities said owners of bump stock or trigger cranks won't be penalized if they're surrendered to police by Thursday.

The penalty for possessing the banned items range from 3-30 years in jail.

Congress hasn’t banned bump stocks nationally, meaning the accessories are still available for sale in other states.

The Associated Press contributed to this report

Cox Media Group