1. (a) A person may not possess a short-barreled rifle or short-barreled shotgun unless:

   1. (1) the person, while on official business is:

      1. (i) a member of the law enforcement personnel of the federal government, the State, or a political subdivision of the State;
      2. (ii) a member of the armed forces or the National Guard while on duty or traveling to or from duty;
      3. (iii) a member of the law enforcement personnel of another state or a political subdivision of another state, while temporarily in this State;
      4. (iv) a warden or correctional officer of a correctional facility in the State; or
      5. (v) a sheriff or a temporary or full-time deputy sheriff; or
   2. (2) the short-barreled shotgun or short-barreled rifle has been registered with the federal government in accordance with federal law.
2. (b) In a prosecution under this section, the defendant has the burden of proving the lawful registration of the short-barreled shotgun or short-barreled rifle.
3. (c) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 5 years or a fine not exceeding $5,000 or both.

Added by Acts 2003, c. 5, § 2, eff. Oct. 1, 2003. Amended by Acts 2003, c. 17, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2003; Acts 2025, c. 261, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2025; Acts 2025, c. 262, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2025.