Firearms Control and Licensing Act (FCLA)
State of San Andreas – State Register of Laws
Legislated and administered by the Department of Justice (DOJ). Enforced by the Los Santos Police Department (LSPD).
Introduction
The Firearms Control and Licensing Act (FCLA) establishes the comprehensive legal framework for the possession, licensing, manufacture, transport, and enforcement of firearms within the State of San Andreas.
It balances lawful ownership with public safety, ensuring all firearm activity is properly licensed and traceable under DOJ authority.
Constitutional Justification
Enacted under the authority of the State Constitution of San Andreas, this Act safeguards public safety and order while respecting lawful defensive ownership rights under strict DOJ oversight.
It ensures due process, public protection, and uniform enforcement statewide.
Article I – Definitions
Firearm: Any device designed to discharge a projectile by the action of an explosive, compressed gas, or other propellant.
Class 0–5 Firearm: Firearm categories defined in Article II.
Licensed Owner: A person holding a valid firearm licence issued by the Department of Justice following examination and background checks.
Government Weapon: Any firearm, munition, or weapon registered to or marked as government or police property.
Stockpiling: Possession of excessive quantities of firearms, ammunition, or parts suggesting intent to distribute or traffic.
Manufacture: Construction, assembly, or production of a firearm or conversion device.
Trafficking / Distribution: Sale, supply, or transport of firearms or ammunition for profit without valid authorisation.
Article II – Firearm Classification (Class 0 – 5)
| Class | Description | Typical Examples |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | Melee & low-lethality weapons — non-firearm offensive implements and tools commonly used as improvised weapons; permitted without a firearms licence but may be regulated under other public-order or weapons statutes. | Baseball bat, knife, switchblade, crowbar, hammer, golf club. |
| 1 | Standard civilian sidearm – permitted with licence. Civilians may possess only the M1911 under this class. Law Enforcement Officers may possess their PD-issued sidearm under duty authority. | Civilian: M1911 handgun (see W&DLLA Schedule I) • Law Enforcement: PD-issued pistol. |
| 2 | Prohibited civilian weapons — enhanced firearms with high capacity, concealability, or destructive potential. Possession by civilians is illegal and constitutes a felony. | SMGs (submachine guns), sawn-off shotguns. |
| 3 | Restricted military-style or automatic weapons — private ownership prohibited except by special collector permit or authorised agency. | Select-fire carbines, fully automatic rifles. |
| 4 | Explosive or heavy weaponry — agency use only. | RPGs, anti-material rifles. |
| 5 | Government-issue or sensitive ordnance — possession by civilians is a strict felony. | Agency service rifles, evidence-marked weapons. |
Only Class 1 firearms are lawful for civilian possession with a valid DOJ licence.
All other classes (2–5) are strictly prohibited unless authorised by the Department of Justice or used in law enforcement duty capacity.
Article III – Licensing & Examination
- Licence Requirement: All firearm ownership requires a DOJ Firearm Possession Licence.
- Eligibility:
- Clean criminal record (no violent/domestic offences)
- Mental-health declaration cleared
- Passing the DOJ Licence Examination
- Class 1 Limitation: Licence permits one (1) Class 1 firearm only. Additional ownership requires elevated vetting.
- Application Process: Request Licence from DOJ, ID and fee. DOJ processing ≤ 5 days.
- Licence Conditions:
- Lists approved class and serial number.
- Requires secure storage (see Article IV).
- Changes in status must be reported.
- Denial & Appeal: Refusals or revocations may be appealed to the State Administrative Court within 30 days.
Article IV – Storage, Transport & Safe Handling
- Storage: Firearms must be unloaded and locked in an approved safe; ammunition stored separately.
- Transport: Must be unloaded and secured in a locked container; ammo stored apart.
- Public Carry: Open carry restricted; concealed carry requires separate permit and lawful purpose.
- Transfer: Private sales require DOJ notification and approved form. Unauthorised transfers are prohibited.
Article V – Prohibited Persons & Restrictions
Disqualified persons include:
- Convicted violent felons or domestic offenders
- Subjects of active restraining orders
- Persons adjudged mentally unfit
A central registry of licence holders and revocations shall be maintained by the DOJ for law-enforcement access.
Article VI – Manufacture, Stockpiling, Distribution & Trafficking
- Unlicensed Manufacture: Constructing, assembling, or converting firearms (or major components) without DOJ authorisation is a felony.
- Stockpiling: Possession of quantities of firearms, ammunition, or components beyond reasonable personal use constitutes evidence of intent to distribute and may be charged accordingly.
- Unlicensed Distribution / Trafficking: Selling, transferring, importing, or transporting firearms or ammunition without a DOJ-issued licence is a felony.
- Possession of Government-Issued Class 1 Weapon: Possession of a PD-issued Class 1 sidearm (e.g., law enforcement pistol) by a civilian is a strict felony, carrying enhanced penalties due to the firearm’s government designation.
- Possession of Government-Issued Class 2 Weapon: Possession of any restricted law enforcement or tactical Class 2 weapon (e.g., SMG, shotgun, or other agency-issued firearm) by a civilian is a strict felony, treated as unauthorised possession of government property.
- Possession of Government Weapon (Class 5): Possession of Class 5 ordnance or equipment (e.g., service rifles, evidence-marked weapons, or sensitive armaments) by a civilian is a strict felony with maximum sentencing.
- Conversion Devices: Manufacturing, distributing, or supplying devices that convert firearms to fully automatic or otherwise restricted configurations is a high-level felony.
Thresholds and licence requirements for manufacturing or authorised distribution are defined and periodically updated by the Department of Justice through administrative bulletin.
Article VII – Offences & Penalties
| Offence | Classification | Sentence | Fine |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unlicensed Possession of a Class 1 Firearm (M1911) | Felony | 24 months | $500 |
| Possession of a Government-Issued Class 1 Weapon (PD Pistol) | Strict Felony | 48 months | $700 |
| Possession of a Class 2 Weapon (Prohibited) | Felony | 36 months | $1 640 |
| Possession of a Class 3 Weapon (Restricted Military) | Felony | 48 months | $1 720 |
| Possession of a Class 4 Weapon (Explosive / Heavy) | Felony | 60 months | $2 300 |
| Possession of a Class 5 Weapon (Government Issue / Sensitive Ordnance) | Strict Felony | 72 months | $3 000 |
| Unlicensed Manufacture of Firearms or Parts | Felony | 48 months | $1 000 |
| Stockpiling / Possession with Intent to Distribute | Felony | 48 months | $800 |
| Illegal Distribution / Trafficking of Firearms | Felony | 60 months | $1 200 |
| Sale or Transfer to a Minor | Felony | 60 months | $1 200 |
| Carrying Loaded Firearm in Public (No Permit) | Misd. → Felony if harm | 18 months | $400 |
| Failure to Secure Firearm (Resulting in Harm) | Felony | 36 months | $600 |
| Forgery / Fraud in Licence Application | Felony | 30 months | $480 |
| Dealer / Licence Misconduct (Licensed Seller) | Felony | 36 months | $800 |
Notes:
- Only Class 1 firearms (M1911 or PD pistol) are lawful under valid DOJ licence or agency authority.
- Possession of Government-Issued Class 1 Weapon (PD Pistol) is a strict felony for civilians.
- Class 2–5 weapons remain prohibited.
- Sentences may be increased for aggravated or repeat offences.
- For licensing requirements and eligibility, see the Weapons & Drivers License Legislation Act (W&DLLA).
Article VIII – Seizure, Forfeiture & Revocation
- Firearms may be seized pending investigation on probable cause.
- Conviction permits forfeiture of weapons and assets.
- Licences may be revoked for breach or criminal conviction.
- Temporary suspension orders may be issued where imminent risk exists (e.g. domestic violence cases).
Article IX – Licensing Appeals & Review
- Denials or revocations may be appealed to the DOJ within 30 days.
- DOJ must issue written response within 12 days.
- Applicants may re-apply after providing new evidence or rehabilitation proof.
Article X – Enforcement & Coordination
- Department of Justice (DOJ) – administration, licensing, and policy bulletins.
- Los Santos Police Department (LSPD) – sole enforcement authority for firearm offences, inspections, and investigations.
The DOJ may delegate enforcement support or oversight powers to other agencies by future amendment or administrative order.
Article XI – Record Reform & Return of Property
- Cleared lawful owners may apply for return of seized firearms and compensation if wrongfully held.
- Convicted persons may petition for rights restoration after rehabilitation under state procedure.
Conclusion
The Firearms Control and Licensing Act (FCLA) establishes a unified regime enabling lawful civilian ownership under strict DOJ licensing while deterring illegal manufacture, trafficking, and possession of restricted weapons.
It ensures fairness, accountability, and public safety across the State of San Andreas, with enforcement vested in the Los Santos Police Department under DOJ oversight.
Signatories
- ⚖️ Justice Bailey Harvey
- ⚖️ Justice Peter Brackley
- ⚖️ Justice Mina Mercy
- ⚖️ Justice James Anderson