The Slovenian National Assembly has almost unanimously adopted an amendment to the Weapons Act, allowing people to surrender illegal weapons or ammunition without facing legal consequences until the end of January 2026, RTV SLO reported on December 2.

The bill received broad support, with 68 MPs voting in favour and only one against. Under the amendment, surrendered weapons or ammunition will become state property, unless authorities determine they were stolen or lost.

The police will transfer them to the Ministry of the Interior, which will either destroy them or donate them for public use, such as to museums or educational institutions.

The government approved the proposal in November, following an incident in Novo Mesto in which 48-year-old Aleš Šutar died in an attack. Officials said the aim of the amendment is to reduce the number of illegal weapons in circulation and raise public awareness about the risks posed by unlawful possession.

The fatal incident led to the resignations of Slovenia's justice and interior ministers. Former ministers Andreja Katič and Boštjan Poklukar stepped down on October 26, citing “objective responsibility” for the incident, which sparked public outrage and political tension.

Coalition parties described the amendment as a significant step towards improving public safety, noting that a higher number of weapons increases the risk of misuse.

Opposition parties SDS and NSi also expressed support for measures that could enhance security, particularly in the Dolenjska region, though they questioned whether owners of illegal weapons would voluntarily comply.