Weapons Control

Case annotations: There is no automatic prohibition against use of a dangerous weapon to protect oneself and family against an intruder, even against an intruder without a weapon, so long as the weapon is not used in deadly fashion and the actual force employed is not more than would be reasonably necessary for purposes of protection. FSM v. Ruben, 1 FSM Intrm. 34, 38 (Truk 1981).

TT Weapons Control Act is not inconsistent with any provision of the Constitution. It therefore continued in effect. When the Nat'l Criminal Code was enacted, and major crimes were defined, the TT Weapons Control Act became national law and trials for violations thereof were within the jurisdiction of the FSM Supreme Court. 11 FSMC 1201-1231. FSM v. Nota, 1 FSM Intrm. 299, 302-03 (Truk 1983).

National court jurisdiction over TT Weapons Control Act is consistent with 12 FSMC 102 which states in part that criminal prosecutions shall be conducted in the name of the Federated States of Micronesia for violations of the statutes of the Trust Territory which continued in effect by virtue of the transition article of the Constitution and which are within the jurisdiction of the National Government of the FSM. 11 FSMC 1201-1231. FSM v. Nota, 1 FSM Intrm. 299, 303 (Truk 1983).

8 FSMC 206 authorizes the transfer of authority from the Trust Territory and its officials to the Government of the FSM and its officials. Thus the reference in the TT Weapons Control Act to the High Commissioner and the Attorney General of the Trust Territory does not prevent its effectiveness as national law of the FSM. 11 FSMC 1201-1231. FSM v. Nota, 1 FSM Intrm. 299, 303 (Truk 1983).

The Government has a serious interest, and Congress deserves the support of the FSM Supreme Court, in carrying out policy established to control firearm use. Open violations, without punitive results, weaken the congressional policy and thwart efforts to assure that firearms will be available only to responsible people. Courts must assure that the policy is carried out against those convicted. FSM v. Nena, 1 FSM Intrm. 331, 336 (Kos. 1983).

In considering whether the term "dangerous weapon" is so vague as to render 11 FSMC 919 unconstitutional, it is relevant that a court in the United States has held that term sufficiently definite to meet United States constitutional standards. Laion v. FSM, 1 FSM Intrm. 503, 513 (App. 1984).

A gun with a defective trigger is a firearm under 11 FSMC 1204(4). The statute's purpose may not be evaded by such simple expedients as dismantling the weapon, maintaining weapons and ammunition in separate places, removing one easily replaceable part, or other similar ploys. Under the statute, current operability is not an essential element of the crime of possession of a firearm. Ludwig v. FSM, 2 FSM Intrm. 27, 34 (App. 1985).

While proof of current operability is not essential to a finding of guilt for illegal possession of a firearm, the design and the capacity of the instrument to fire are at the very heart of the Weapons Control Act's definition of a firearm. To prove its case, the government must show that the device "is designed or may be converted to expel . . . projectiles." Ludwig v. FSM, 2 FSM Intrm. 27, 37 (App. 1985).

A trial court may not simply presume that a person who possesses a firearm is not keeping it as a curio, ornament or for historical significance. This would be an irrational or arbitrary, hence unconstitutional, presumption or inference because one cannot determine from mere possession of a firearm alone the purpose or nature of that possession. Ludwig v. FSM, 2 FSM Intrm. 27, 37 (App. 1985).

The Transition Clause of the FSM Constitution effectively adopts statutes of the Trust Territory, including the Weapons Control Act, and serves as the original enactment of a body of law, criminal as well as civil, for the new constitutional government. Further action of the FSM Congress is not necessary to establish that violations of the Weapons Control Act are prohibited within the FSM. Joker v. FSM, 2 FSM Intrm. 38, 43 (App. 1985).

In light of the Constitution's Transition Clause, action by the FSM Congress is not necessary in order to establish that violations of the Weapons Control Act are prohibited within the FSM. The only question is whether those are state or national law prohibitions or both. If the definition of major crimes in the Nat'l Criminal Code bears upon the Weapons Control Act at all, it is only for that purpose of allocating between state and national law. Joker v. FSM, 2 FSM Intrm. 38, 43 (App. 1985).

The second category of "dangerous device" under the Weapons Control Act requires demonstration by the government that the item in question was designed or redesigned as a weapon and that the person whose possession is at issue is aware that the instrument was created or modified for that purpose. The intent and knowledge normally might be inferred from the nature of the instrument itself. It does not appear necessary that the possessor be shown to have actually intended to use the instrument as a weapon or for a wrongful purpose. Joker v. FSM, 2 FSM Intrm. 38, 45 (App. 1985).

For the last category of "dangerous device" under the Weapons Control Act, the forbidden instrument in question must not only be capable of causing bodily injury but it must also be possessed without any "lawful purpose." A violation occurs only when the possession is coupled with a wrongful purpose, that is, a purpose to use the instrument to cause bodily injury, or a complete absence of any lawful purpose, shown through statements or overt conduct of the possessor manifesting wrongful purpose. Joker v. FSM, 2 FSM Intrm. 38, 45 (App. 1985).

Dangerous device is defined in three categories, 1) explosive, etc., 2) an instrument designed or redesigned as a weapon, and 3) an instrument which can be used to inflict bodily harm and which under the circumstances of its possession serves no lawful purpose. Este v. FSM, 4 FSM Intrm. 132, 136 (App. 1989).

In requiring an identification card in order to possess a dangerous device there was not an intent to require such a card for that category of dangerous devices which can be used to inflict bodily harm and which under the circumstances of its possession serves no lawful purpose. 11 FSMC 1204(3). Este v. FSM, 4 FSM Intrm. 132, 136-37 (App. 1989).

Case annotations: Inapplicability of the 11 FSMC 1203(2) exemption whereunder possession of a firearm is permissible because it is in unserviceable condition, is incapable of being fired or discharged and is being kept as a curio, ornament or historical piece is an essential element of the Government's case in prosecution for unlawful possession of a firearm under 11 FSMC 1202. Ludwig v. FSM, 2 FSM Intrm. 27, 37 (App. 1985).

Case annotations: Some exceptions under 11 FSMC 1203, whereunder possession of a firearm is permissible, relate to considerations separate from the essential elements of the crime and require the defendant to place them in issue. A defendant claiming exemption as a law enforcement officer or United States military person engaged in official duty, §§ 1203(1), (4), or as a designated crocodile hunter, § 1203(5), is not disputing any element of the government's basic case. Instead, these exemption claims bring into play new facts, uniquely within the knowledge of the defendant, which the government could overlook by focusing on whether the conduct prohibited by the Weapons Control Act has occurred. The defendant is in a far better position to place these exemptions in issue and it is fair to require that he do so. Ludwig v. FSM, 2 FSM Intrm. 27, 36 (App. 1985).

Inapplicability of the 11 FSMC 1203(2) exemption whereunder possession of a firearm is permissible because it is in unserviceable condition, is incapable of being fired or discharged and is being kept as a curio, ornament or historical piece is an essential element of the government's case in prosecution for unlawful possession of a firearm under 11 FSMC 1202. Ludwig v. FSM, 2 FSM Intrm. 27, 37 (App. 1985).

The 11 FSMC 1203(2) exemption for curios, ornaments and historical pieces whereunder possession of a firearm is permissible requires findings that the firearm be in "unserviceable condition" and "incapable of being fired or discharged." Ludwig v. FSM, 2 FSM Intrm. 27, 37 (App. 1985).

A trial court may not simply presume that a person who possesses a firearm is not keeping it as a curio, ornament or for historical significance. This would be an irrational or arbitrary, hence unconstitutional, presumption or inference because one can not determine from mere possession of a firearm alone the purpose or nature of that possession. Ludwig v. FSM, 2 FSM Intrm. 27, 37 (App. 1985).

Inapplicability of the 11 FSMC 1203(2) exemption where under possession of a firearm is permissible because it is in unserviceable condition, is incapable of being fired or discharged and is being kept as a curio, ornament or historical piece is an essential element of the Government's case in prosecution for unlawful possession of a firearm under 11 FSMC 1202. Ludwig v. FSM, 2 FSM Intrm. 27, 37 (App. 1985).

The 11 FSMC 1203(2) exemption whereunder possession of a firearm is permissible applies only if the firearm is: (1) unserviceable; (2) incapable of being fired or discharged; and (3) being kept as a curio, ornament or for its historical significance. Ludwig v. FSM, 2 FSM Intrm. 27, 37-38 (App. 1985).

The Weapons Control Act seems well-attuned to the recognition of shared national-state interest in maintaining an orderly society and the goal of cooperation in law enforcement as reflected in the major crimes clause, art. IX, § 2(p) of the Constitution as well as the Joint Law Enforcement Act, 12 FSMC 1201. Joker v. FSM, 2 FSM Intrm. 38, 44 (App. 1985).

(3) weapons or other dangerous devices which are not firearms and which are kept as ornaments, curios, or objects of historical or archeological interest; provided, that the article or articles referred to herein are kept or displayed only in private homes, museums, or in connection with public exhibitions;

(5) persons designated from time to time by the Secretary of the Department of Justice (hereinafter referred to as the "Secretary" in this act), where such exemption is in the best interest of the National Government; provided, however, that the Secretary shall define the time, manner and purpose of the exemption, and limit the size and type of weapons which may be used by such persons.

Some exceptions under 11 FSMC 1203 whereunder possession of a firearm is permissible relate to considerations separate from the essential elements of the crime and require the defendant to place them in issue. A defendant claiming exemption as a law enforcement officer or United States military person engaged in official duty, §§ 1203(1) and (4), or as a designated crocodile hunter, § 1203(5), is not disputing any element of the government's basic case. Instead, these exemption claims bring into play new facts, uniquely within the knowledge of the defendant, which the government could overlook by focusing on whether the conduct prohibited by the Weapons Control Act has occurred. The defendant is in a far better position to place these exemptions in issue and it is fair to require that he do so. Ludwig v. FSM, 2 FSM Intrm. 27, 36 (App. 1985).

The 11 FSMC 1203(1), (4) and (5) exemptions whereunder possession of a firearm is permissible are defenses within the meaning of 11 FSMC 107, although they are not affirmative defenses for they are not so designated. The ultimate burden of persuasion remains with the government, but the defendant has the burden of going forward with sufficient evidence to raise these exemptions as issues. Ludwig v. FSM, 2 FSM Intrm. 27, 36 (App. 1985).

(1) "Automatic weapon" means a weapon of any description irrespective of size, by whatever name designated or known, loaded or unloaded, from which may be repeatedly or automatically discharged a number of bullets contained in a magazine, ribbon or other receptacle, by one continuous movement of the trigger or firing mechanism.

(3) "Dangerous device" means any explosive, incendiary or poison gas bomb, grenade, mine or similar device, switch or gravity blade knife, blackjack, sandbag, metal, wooden or shark's tooth knuckles, dagger, any instrument designed or redesigned for use as a weapon, or any other instrument which can be used for the purpose of inflicting bodily harm and which under the circumstances of its possession serves no lawful purpose.

Case annotations: "Dangerous device" as defined under the Weapons Control Act is not unconstitutionally vague. The language, properly interpreted, affords sufficient notice so that conscientious citizens may avoid inadvertent violations, and constructs sufficiently definite standards to prevent arbitrary law enforcement. Joker v. FSM, 2 FSM Intrm. 38, 45 (App. 1985).

For the last category of "dangerous device" under the Weapons Control Act, the forbidden instrument in question must not only be capable of causing bodily injury but it must also be possessed without any "lawful purpose". A violation occurs only when the possession is coupled with a wrongful purpose, that is, a purpose to use the instrument to cause bodily injury, or a complete absence of any lawful purpose, shown through statements or overt conduct of the possessor manifesting wrongful purpose. Joker v. FSM, 2 FSM Intrm. 38, 45 (App. 1985).

(5) "Firearm" means any device, by whatever name known, which is designed or may be converted to expel or hurl a projectile or projectiles by the action of an explosion, a release, or an expansion of gas, including but not limited to guns, except a device designed or redesigned for use solely as a signaling, line throwing, spearfishing, or industrial device, or a device which hurls a projectile by means of the release or expansion of carbon dioxide or air.

Case annotations: A gun with a defective trigger is a firearm under 11 FSMC 1204(4). The statute's purpose may not be evaded by such simple expedients as dismantling the weapon, maintaining weapons and ammunition in separate places, removing one easily replaceable part, or other similar ploys. Under the statute, current operability is not an essential element of the crime of possession of a firearm. Ludwig v. FSM, 2 FSM Intrm. 27, 34 (App. 1985).

While proof of current operability is not essential to a finding of guilt for illegal possession of a firearm, the design and the capacity of the instrument to fire are at the very heart of the Weapons Control Act's definition of a firearm. To prove its case, the government must show that the device "is designed or may be converted to expel...projectiles." Ludwig v. FSM, 2 FSM Intrm. 27, 37 (App. 1985).

(8) "Law Enforcement Officer' means an employee of a national or state law enforcement agency authorized to enforce the laws of the National or State Governments. Employees of municipal law enforcement agencies may be included for the purposes of this chapter, at the discretion of the Secretary, upon a showing that municipal law enforcement officers meet the training requirements for National or State law enforcement officers.

(11) "Semi-automatic weapon" means a weapon of any description irrespective of size, by whatever name designated or known, loaded or unloaded, from which may be repeatedly or automatically discharged a number of bullets contained in a magazine, ribbon or other receptacle by a like number of movements of the trigger or firing mechanism without recocking or resetting the trigger or firing mechanism.

(1) No person shall acquire or possess any firearm, dangerous device, or ammunition unless he or she holds an identification card issued pursuant to this chapter. The identification card is evidence of the holder's eligibility to possess and use or carry firearms, dangerous devices, or ammunition. A person need not own or possess any firearm, dangerous device, or ammunition to apply for and have issued to him an identification card.

(3) An applicant for the issuance or renewal of an identification card shall make application therefor on a form approved by the Department of Justice and shall supply such information as may be necessary to afford the issuing agency reasonable opportunity to ascertain the facts required to appear on the face of the identification card, and to determine whether the applicant complies with all requirements of this chapter to possess and use, or carry firearms, dangerous devices, or ammunition, as the case may be. Such information shall include a complete description and serial number, if any, of any firearm or dangerous device the applicant owns or possesses.

(4) No identification cards shall be issued until fifteen days after application therefor, and unless the issuing agency is satisfied that the applicant may lawfully possess and use, or carry firearms, dangerous devices, or ammunition of the type or types enumerated on the identification card; provided, however, that the Secretary may issue an identification card prior to the expiration of fifteen days where such issuance is in the best interest of the National Government. Unless the application for use and possession is denied, the identification card shall be issued within 60 days from the date of application. An identification card issued pursuant to this section shall be valid for two years from the date of its issuance unless it has been revoked. A valid identification card issued pursuant to this section may be renewed biannually upon application by the holder made on the form approved by the Department of Justice.

(8) Any person suffering from a physical or mental defect, condition, illness, or impairment which would make him ineligible for an identification card pursuant to this section may submit the certificate of a physician licensed to practice in the Federated States of Micronesia to the issuing agency or officer. If the certificate states that it is the subscribing physician's best opinion that the defect, condition, illness, or impairment does not make the applicant incapable of possessing and using a firearm or dangerous device without danger to the public safety, the identification card may be issued. But no such card shall be valid for a period longer than six months.

(9) Any person who is ineligible for an identification card by reason of conviction of a crime may be issued such a card if his or her most recent discharge from probation or parole or the termination of his or her most recent sentence, whichever is later, is more than ten years prior to the time of application for the identification card and if the issuing agency finds that his or her record, taken as a whole, does not indicate that his or her possessing and using, or carrying, a firearm or dangerous device, as the case may be, are not likely to constitute a special danger to the public safety; provided, that if the crime which renders him ineligible for an identification card is solely the failure to have an identification card issued to him, then the reinstatement to eligibility pursuant to this subsection shall occur five years after the date of his or her sentencing.

(10) A duplicate identification card may be issued to the holder of a lost, destroyed, or defaced identification card upon proof of such loss, destruction, or defacement as the Department of Justice may require, upon payment of the fee required by section 1030 of this chapter, and upon surrender of any remaining portion of the original card. Notice shall be given to the Department of Justice by the holder within forty-eight hours of his or her discovery of such loss, defacement, or destruction. The holder shall notify the Department of Justice of any change of name or address from those appearing upon the identification card within forty-eight hours of such change.

Case annotations: The National Government has an interest in controlling the proliferation and use of firearms throughout Micronesia; the classifications singled out for a ten-year prohibition on possession appear reasonable. 11 FSMC 1205. FSM v. Nena, 1 FSM Intrm. 331, 335 (Kos. 1983).

(1) No person shall purchase, possess, or use a firearm, dangerous device, or ammunition unless he or she is the holder of an identification card issued pursuant to this chapter evidencing the eligibility of such person to purchase, possess, and use a firearm, dangerous device or ammunition. Such person shall be at least 21 years of age.

(2) Where a firearm, dangerous device, or ammunition is found in a vehicle or vessel, it shall be prima facie evidence that such firearm, dangerous device, or ammunition is in the possession of the occupant if there is but one. If there is more than one occupant, it shall be prima facie evidence that it is in the possession of all, except under the following circumstances:

(b) where the vehicle or vessel is not a stolen one and the firearm, dangerous device, or ammunition is out of view in a glove compartment, automobile trunk, or other enclosed customary depository, in which case it is prima facie evidence that such firearm, dangerous device, or ammunition is in the possession of the occupant or occupants who own or have authority to operate the vehicle or vessel;

(c) where, in the case of a taxicab, the firearm, dangerous device, or ammunition is found in the passengers' portion of the vehicle, it shall be prima facie evidence that it is in the possession of all the passengers, if there are any, and, if not, that it is in the possession of the driver.

No person shall carry a firearm unless he or she has a valid identification card and is carrying the firearm unloaded in a closed case or other securely wrapped or closed package or container, or locked in the trunk of his or her vehicle while en route to or from a target range or area where he or she hunts or takes part in other sports involving firearms, or carries the firearm in plain sight on his or her person while actively engaged in hunting or sports involving the use of firearms.

Visitors, new residents, and temporary residents in the Federated States of Micronesia shall not import, transport, purchase, use, or possess any firearm, dangerous device or ammunition in the Federated States of Micronesia without an identification card issued pursuant to this chapter. Any person who possesses any firearms, dangerous devices, or ammunition shall, before or immediately upon his or her entrance into the Federated States of Micronesia, turn it in to the Secretary, or his or her duly designated representative. Such firearm, dangerous device, or ammunition shall be returned to such person upon his or her being issued an identification card pursuant to the provisions of this chapter or upon his or her departure from the Federated States of Micronesia.

(1) Possession, use, and carriage of firearms, ammunition and dangerous devices by law enforcement officers derives from the laws governing the powers, functions and organization of the police and other organized forces of peace officers. Eligibility of law enforcement officers to possess, use, and carry firearms, ammunition or dangerous devices while on duty is not subject to the holding of identification cards or any other qualifications prescribed in this chapter. Regulations issued pursuant to section 1029 of this chapter may include minimum qualifications for any law enforcement officer authorized to carry firearms, ammunition or dangerous devices while on duty.

(3) The head of any national, state, or municipal law enforcement agency of the Federated States of Micronesia shall furnish to the Department of Justice the names, addresses, ranks, and badge numbers or similar identification of each person on his or her force who is authorized to possess, use, and carry firearms in the course of his or her official duty. Upon the occurrence of any changes in personnel to whom this subsection applies, the head of the law enforcement agency shall inform the Department of Justice promptly of the change.

(2) Any person, firm, corporation, association, or other entity proposing to engage in the business of selling firearms, ammunition, and dangerous devices at retail shall apply for a dealer's license. The application shall be on a form approved by the Department of Justice and shall contain the following information:

(1) Upon receipt of a proper application and payment of the prescribed fee, the Department of Justice shall, within sixty days, issue a dealer's license to an applicant, if he or she is found to be eligible therefor pursuant to this chapter and any applicable regulations of the Department of Justice. Such regulations shall place a reasonable limit on the number of dealer's licenses available. The license shall list the types of firearms, ammunition, and dangerous devices which the dealer has been authorized to offer for sale.

(3) A license issued pursuant to this section may be renewed annually upon application by the holder made on a form approved by the Department of Justice. Eligibility for renewal shall be on the same terms and conditions as for an original license, except that renewal also may be denied on account of violation of this chapter or regulations of the Department of Justice made pursuant thereto or for any conduct in the operation of the applicant's business which gives the Department of Justice grounds to believe that the applicant will no longer operate in a manner consonant with the public safety.

(1) display his or her license in a conspicuous place at all times at the establishment described in the license. If a dealer has more than one place of business at which he or she sells firearms, dangerous devices, and ammunition or any of them, he or she shall display in the same manner a certified copy of his or her license at each such additional place of business;

(1) Every licensed dealer shall maintain records containing an inventory of firearms, dangerous devices, and ammunition or any of them received, together with the name and address of the person from whom they were received, and the manufacturer, type and serial number of each firearm and dangerous device, the name and address of the person to whom it was transferred, the identification card number of such person, the manufacturer, type and serial number of the gun or dangerous device transferred and the date of transfer. Such records shall be available for inspection at all reasonable times by the Secretary, and his or her duly designated representatives. Such records shall be retained for at least five years.

(2) No person shall accept any firearms for repair unless he or she is shown an identification card evidencing eligibility of the holder to possess and use a firearm of the type offered for repair. Prior to returning any such firearm, the manufacturer or dealer shall make and keep a record identical with that required for the purchase of a firearm pursuant to section 1013 of this chapter, and shall maintain such record for at least one year.

(1) No person may transfer ammunition, unless he or she is a manufacturer, wholesaler or dealer licensed pursuant to this chapter. If the transfer is other than to another manufacturer, wholesaler, or dealer, the transfer shall not be made until the transferor has ascertained that the transferee is the holder of an identification card evidencing eligibility to possess and use a firearm of the type for which the ammunition is suited. Upon transfer the transferor shall record the quantity, type and caliber or gauge transferred, the name and address of the transferee and the number of the transferee's identification card.

(2) No transferee of ammunition shall transfer it to any person other than a dealer licensed pursuant to this chapter. Upon receipt of ammunition, the dealer shall make and keep all records with respect to the ammunition in the manner required by this section for ammunition sold by him.

No person other than a manufacturer, wholesaler, or dealer licensed pursuant to this chapter shall transfer a firearm or dangerous device to any person other than a manufacturer, wholesaler, or dealer without first ascertaining that the transferee is the holder of an identification card issued pursuant to this chapter. Prior to any such transfer, the transferor shall furnish to the Department of Justice in person or by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, a properly completed form approved by the Department of Justice providing information equivalent to that required to be furnished by a dealer upon the transfer by him of a firearm or dangerous device.

(4) Upon the return or other disposition of the firearm in his or her possession pursuant to this section, the dealer shall make a record of the return or other disposition, including the date thereof and the name and address of the person to whom the firearm was returned or disposed. No firearm shall be returned or disposed of to any person who, at the time of such return or disposition, does not exhibit a valid identification card issued in his or her own name and entitling him to possess and use the firearm involved.

(2) Any person proposing to manufacture or deal at wholesale in firearms, dangerous devices, or ammunition, which person is not the holder of a dealer's license, shall make application for a manufacturer's or wholesaler's license. Such application shall contain the same information required for a dealer's license and any additional information required by the Secretary, as may be appropriate to administer this chapter. No manufacturer's license or wholesaler's license shall authorize transfer or delivery within the Federated States of Micronesia except to a licensed dealer, manufacturer, or wholesaler or to an authorized law enforcement agency in the Federated States of Micronesia or, subject to applicable laws of the Federated States of Micronesia, for export.

(4) Every manufacturer shall assign a unique serial number to each firearm he or she manufactures and shall inscribe such number in or on the firearm in such manner as will resist removal, alteration, defacement or obliteration. The Department of Justice may make regulations for the style of such serial numbers and for the manner of their inscription.

(2) Records kept in the registry shall include all records required to be filed with the Department of Justice pursuant to this chapter, copies of all records filed with an agency or officer of local government pursuant to this chapter, and any records deposited with the Department of Justice pursuant to subsection (3) of this section.

(5) Records in the registry shall not be public records. They shall be made available only to law enforcement officers of the national, state and municipal governments of the Federated States of Micronesia, or at the discretion of the Department of Justice, to law enforcement officers and agencies of foreign governments.

(2) The issuing officer or agency may deny, suspend or revoke an identification card or a license issued pursuant to this chapter for failure of the applicant or holder to meet or continue to meet any of the requirements for eligibility therefor, or for any violation of this chapter or regulations in force pursuant thereto.

(3) The Department of Justice by regulation shall make classifications of crimes and other violations of this chapter or regulations in force thereunder. Regulations made pursuant to this subsection shall set forth those crimes and violations for which identification cards and licenses may be suspended or revoked, and those for which the penalty must be revocation. Such regulations shall be of general application.

(4) Any person who, by reason of the suspension or revocation of his or her identification card, is no longer eligible to continue in possession of a firearm, dangerous device, or ammunition shall surrender any and all firearms, dangerous devices, and ammunition to the Secretary, or his or her duly designated representative, or shall dispose of the firearms, dangerous devices, and ammunition forthwith under the direction and supervision of the Secretary, or his or her duly designated representative. In the case of suspension of an identification card, the owner of the firearm, dangerous device, or ammunition may request that the Department of Justice keep same during the period of suspension and, except as herein provided, the firearm, dangerous device, or ammunition shall be restored to the owner when he or she again becomes eligible to possess same and requests return. Any firearm, dangerous device, or ammunition in the possession of the Secretary, or his or her duly designated representative, pursuant to this subsection may be disposed of, without compensation to the owner, upon revocation of the suspended identification card or at the end of sixty days after receipt or the date of termination of the suspension, whichever is later. However, if proceedings in connection with the suspension or revocation are not yet finally determined, disposal shall not be until such final determination has been made.

(2) Any person who ships, transports or delivers firearms or dangerous devices to a manufacturer, wholesaler, dealer, or person possessing an identification card in the Federated States of Micronesia shall, before delivery, furnish to the Department of Justice an invoice listing his or her name and address, the name and address of the manufacturer, wholesaler, dealer, or person possessing the identification card to whom such firearms or dangerous devices are to be delivered, the place of origin of the shipment, the number of firearms and dangerous devices of each type, and the manufacturer and serial number of each firearm and dangerous device in the shipment.

(3) Any person who ships, transports or delivers ammunition to a manufacturer, wholesaler, dealer or person possessing an identification card in the Federated States of Micronesia shall, before delivery, furnish to the Department of Justice an invoice listing his or her name and address, the name and address of the manufacturer, wholesaler, dealer, or person possessing an identification card to whom the ammunition is to be delivered, the place of origin of the shipment, and the quantity of ammunition of each type in the shipment.

(4) If shipment is by common carrier, a copy of the invoice required by subsections (2) and (3) of this section shall also be delivered to the common carrier. The common carrier shall deliver the invoice and any said shipment to local law enforcement authorities who will verify the accuracy of the shipment, and compliance with this chapter, before delivery to the manufacturer, wholesaler, dealer, or person possessing an identification card. A copy of the invoice shall be left with the manufacturer, wholesaler, dealer, or person possessing an identification card at the time of delivery.

Whoever owns or possesses a firearm, dangerous device, or ammunition shall, within twenty-four hours of discovery, notify the Department of Justice of the loss, theft, or destruction of any such firearm, dangerous device or ammunition, and, after such notice, of any subsequent recovery thereof.

(6) board or attempt to board any commercial aircraft while carrying any firearm, dangerous device, or ammunition, either on his or her person or in his or her luggage. Such firearm, dangerous device, or ammunition shall be turned in prior to departure to an appropriate official or to the pilot of the airline or aircraft concerned, who shall keep a record of the name of the person turning in such firearm, dangerous device, or ammunition, and the type and quantity turned in. Upon completion of such person's travel, the official of the airline or pilot of the aircraft shall personally deliver the article or articles turned in to the Secretary, or his or her duly designated representative, or another authorized law enforcement officer, at the point of disembarkation. If the point of disembarkation is in the Federated States of Micronesia, such person may recover the article or articles turned in upon either:

All firearms, dangerous devices, or ammunition unlawfully possessed, carried, used, shipped, transported or delivered into the Federated States of Micronesia are declared to be inimical to the public safety and are forfeited to the Federated States of Micronesia. When such forfeited articles are taken from any person, they shall be surrendered to the Department of Justice.

In case of emergency concerning the public safety declared by the President, pursuant to chapter 8 of this title, all establishments dealing in guns, dangerous devices, or ammunition may be ordered closed and required to remain closed during the continuance of the emergency. During any such closure, any and all guns, dangerous devices, and ammunition belonging to or in the keeping of a closed establishment may be impounded.

(1) Any person having in his or her possession a firearm or dangerous device on the effective date of this chapter shall, within ninety days of such effective date, furnish, on a form approved by the Department of Justice, to the agency or officer authorized to receive information concerning the transfer of firearms or dangerous devices pursuant to this chapter, equivalent information concerning any firearm or dangerous device in his or her possession.

(2) If, prior to the expiration of the ninety day period provided in subsection (1) of this section, the firearm is transferred, the transferor shall comply with the provisions of this chapter for furnishing of information on transfer and need not comply with subsection (1) of this section.

Any person who possessed any firearm or dangerous device in the Federated States of Micronesia prior to the effective date of this chapter, and who is determined to be ineligible to possess or is prohibited from possessing such firearm or dangerous device under this chapter, shall tender such firearm or dangerous device to the Secretary or his or her duly designated representative within ninety days of the effective date of this chapter and be reasonably compensated therefor.

Nothing in this chapter shall be deemed to prevent any state or municipal government from further restricting, by local law or ordinance, the transfer, possession, use, or carriage of firearms, ammunition, or dangerous devices. This chapter shall supersede all state laws and municipal ordinances in conflict with this act.

(2) Any person convicted of a violation of any other provision of this chapter or any regulations issued pursuant thereto shall be imprisoned for not more than ten years, and shall be subject to confiscation of any firearm, dangerous device, or ammunition, without compensation, involved in a violation of this act. The holder of any dealer's license, or the manager or supervisor of employees of any establishment so licensed, or both, shall be liable for any violation of this act by his or her employee or agent committed in the course of the dealer's business, to the same extent as such employee or agent.