The principle is Ex Post Facto, meaning that if it was legal when you did it (bought it, etc) and they later make it a crime, you are not guilty of breaking the law.
Now, they do violate this principle, from time to time, but they are not supposed to, and it does give one grounds for a legal challenge to the law, if they do.
They must "grandfather" the property we already own. OR provide lawful compensation.
In the 94 ban, mags made after the enactment of the law had to have the date of manufacture on them. Non-dated mags were automatically considered to be "pre ban". Something like that will probably be written into the proposed legislature before it gets to the floor for a vote.
One thing I have heard they are wanting if they cannot get outright confiscation, is a ban on future sale & posession. In other words, you can keep it, but cannot sell it to anyone, nor can your children inherit it. When you die, the govt gets it. And with no compensation to your estate....
They also want national registration of all gun owners...and a lot more, too...
With all the problems we are facing as a nation, and as a people, focusing so much effort on how large a spring loaded metal box can be legally owned is foolish, IMHO. For what its worth, nothing has even been proposed in Congress yet, for all the reporting about what is being considered...
More than a few Congressmen have let it be known (back channel) that no matter what they propose, and no matter who wants it passed, any and all gun control bills will be DOA in the House.
That doesn't mean we are safe, as the current administration has shown a positive delight for using Executive Orders and other means to get things done that they couldn't get passed in Congress. But until there is a specific bill to be voted on, don't get worried about what it may say.
