12-16,115. Imitation firearms; civil penalty for sale, manufacture or distribution. (a) Any person who sells, manufactures or distributes an imitation firearm in violation of this section shall be liable for a civil penalty in an action brought by the city attorney of the city or the county or district attorney of the county of not more than $10,000 for each violation. Penalties recovered pursuant to this section shall be deposited in the general fund of the city or county.

(b) The sale, manufacture or distribution of imitation firearms shall be permissible if the imitation firearm is sold, manufactured or distributed:

(1) Solely for export in interstate or foreign commerce;

(2) solely for lawful use in theatrical productions, including motion picture, television and stage productions;

(3) for use in a certified or regulated athletic event or competition;

(4) for use in military or civil defense activities; or

(5) for public displays authorized by public or private schools.

(c) As used in this section, the term "imitation firearm" means a replica of a firearm which is so substantially similar in physical properties to an existing firearm as to lead a reasonable person to conclude that the replica is a firearm. The term "imitation firearm" does not include: (1) A nonfiring collector's replica of an antique firearm which was designed prior to 1898, is historically significant, and is offered for sale in conjunction with a wall plaque or presentation case; (2) a nonfiring collector's replica of a firearm which was designed after 1898, is historically significant, was issued as a commemorative by a nonprofit organization and is offered for sale in conjunction with a wall plaque or presentation case; or (3) a pneumatic, spring, spring-air or compressed-gas powered nonpowder gun that is commonly called an air gun and is designed to discharge BB's, pellets or paint balls.

History: L. 1990, ch. 96, § 1; July 1.