Slovenia’s National Assembly has passed a weapons amnesty bill in a near-unanimous vote, allowing owners of illegal firearms and ammunition to hand them over to authorities without facing legal repercussions. The legislation is part of broader measures aimed at improving public safety, particularly after a fatal assault in Novo Mesto in late October.
The amnesty period will last until 31 January 2026, during which weapons can be surrendered directly at the owner’s residence.
All handed-over firearms and ammunition will become state property and will be either destroyed, donated to museums, or used for educational purposes. Unlike previous amnesties, this program does not offer the option to legalize unregistered firearms.
While the bill received strong support from both the ruling coalition and opposition, some lawmakers expressed skepticism about its effectiveness, noting that past amnesties had limited success. Nevertheless, proponents argue that each weapon voluntarily surrendered reduces the risk of future violent incidents and strengthens public security.
