[1] Key provisions of the Arms Legislation Bill include creating a national gun registry; strengthening the licensing regime to filter out "high risk" people and behaviour; creating an advisory group consisting of members of both the firearms and non-firearms communities; strengthening regulation over the importation, distribution, and manufacture of firearms and components; and introducing new offences and penalties.

[11][12][13] On 23 September 2019, the National Party's police spokesperson Brett Hudson requested thirteen changes for the proposed gun bill including introducing firearms prohibition orders, introducing safeguards on health professionals reporting patients to the New Zealand Police, and providing flexibility for gun clubs, shooting rangers, and pest controllers.

[18] National MP Hudson attempted to introduce seven amendments that included removing the proposed gun register, exemptions and changes to the "fit and proper person test" relating to violent, hate speech, and extremism.

ACT MP David Seymour also proposed amendments eliminating the gun register, new regulations on shooting clubs, and a provision for doctors to report on "dangerous" patients.

In return for support the bill's passage into law, Labour agreed to incorporate New Zealand First's proposal that an independent entity be established to take over firearms licensing and administration from the Police.

In addition, the Bill also allowed members of the farming community, owners and managers of agricultural businesses to apply for endorsements to use prohibited firearms for pest control without having to establish a company to carry out the work.

In response to criticism, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee denied that the short consultation process was "non-democratic" and said that "the changes were needed quickly to help club ranges and owners struggling with “burdensome” and “confusing” regulation.

"[23] On 12 August 2024, the NZ Police Association's president Chris Cahill called for McKee to be removed from the firearms reform portfolio due to the union's exclusion from the consultation process for the amendment to the Arms Legislation Act.