Stricter Gun Laws: November Brings Part One

With the tightening of gun laws in Austria decided by the National Council in September, new rules will apply from November. For instance, there is an improved exchange of information between authorities. Gun authorities can request reports from the Federal Army's assessment commission, the so-called assessment result, when applying for a gun law document. A second stage of new laws is expected to come into force in mid-2026, according to the Interior Ministry on Friday.

Ineligibility and Cooling-off Period

Following the rampage in Graz, the trigger for the changes, in the event of ineligibility due to psychological abnormalities during the assessment, the gun authority can deny a gun ownership card or a gun license. Also, a completed purchase takes more time as an extended cooling-off period comes into effect. The period from purchase to receipt of the first weapon is extended from three days to four weeks. This is intended to prevent men and women from reflexively acquiring weapons in a potentially emotional state.

The shooter of the rampage in Graz, who killed ten people in June, legally possessed the weapons used, although psychological abnormalities were attested to him during the assessment.

"The first changes to the improved gun law, namely proper information exchange between authorities and the extension of the so-called cooling-off period, apply from November. Further necessary tightenings, without practical impact on well-trained and strictly tested hunters and marksmen, will come by the middle of next year," said Interior Minister Gerhard Karner (ÖVP).

Exploratory Interview and Minimum Age

A second wave of changes is expected for the middle of next year - after reprogramming the Central Weapons Register. At this time, stricter examinations of gun law reliability and the improvement of the quality of the clinical-psychological report will apply. Additionally, a mandatory exploratory interview and new test procedures are announced. Furthermore, a ten-year ban will apply to all those who were negatively assessed for the second time within a year.

In the future, the minimum age for purchasing firearms in categories A and B will be raised from 21 to 25 years, and for category C from 18 to 21 years. Exceptions will continue to apply if weapons are needed for the profession. The trial period for gun law permits lasts five years upon first issuance. Additionally, the police will be granted extended control powers in the vicinity of schools and kindergartens. The rules for private gun sales are also to be made stricter again.

(APA/Red)

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