The nation's capital would still require rifles and shotguns be kept in the home unloaded and disassembled, or equipped with trigger locks. There would be an exception for guns used against the "reasonably perceived threat of immediate harm."
The proposed legislation also maintains the city's unusual regulation of machine guns, defined as weapons that shoot at least 12 rounds without reloading. That applies to most semiautomatic firearms.
"We have crafted what I believe to be a model for the nation in terms of complying with the Supreme Court's Second Amendment decision and at the same time protecting our citizens," interim Attorney General Peter Nickles said.
The National Rifle Association strongly disagreed.
"Clearly, D.C. is doing everything they can to ignore the Supreme Court ruling," said Chris W. Cox, the NRA's chief lobbyist. He said the organization would pursue legal or legislative action to thwart the city's efforts.
The legislation also would require a ballistics test to determine if a handgun is stolen or has been used in a crime.
Police Chief Cathy Lanier will limit registration to one handgun per person for the first 90 days, to serve as many people as possible. And those who wish to register a handgun must pass written and vision tests.
Residents who already own handguns will be granted six months of amnesty to legally register their weapons, officials said.
The emergency legislation, which has strong support from the council, will remain in effect for 90 days. It adopts many of the regulations proposed earlier this month by D.C. Council member Phil Mendelson.
Mendelson, who is chairman of the committee on public safety and the judiciary, said the council would hold a hearing in September on permanent regulations.
D.C. officials anticipate more legal challenges as they try to maintain the strictest gun regulations possible under the law.
Critics were frustrated that the city plans to keep its ban on firearms capable of carrying 12 rounds or more.
