I’ve googled this and checked several law websites without any results, so I’m turning to you guys.
Until yesterday, I was certain that the Firearm Owners’ Protection Act, made law on May 19, 1986, was permanent (unless the legislature or judiciary decided otherwise). Yesterday, however, I was visiting a gun store where the owner mentioned that he heard the 1986 law will sunset come May. I think this was just wishful thinking on his part, but since it sort of concerns me, I thought I would check up on it.
The Firearm Owners’ Protection Act is a pretty long bill and does quite a few things, some of which are even good for gun owners. Nevertheless, it prevents private citizens from privately owning machineguns manufactured or imported post-1986. This is the part of the law that the store owner mentioned would expire. I have found no information anywhere else suggesting that the 1986 law will sunset, so I was hoping that some of you Dopers with a) too much time on your hands and/or b) legal expertise could get to the bottom of this for me.