Excuse my ignorance

I must admit, I havent followed the stories and the media as far as this gun registration issue is concerned. So excuse my ignorance when it comes to my questions. Question: Am I correct in assuming that I have to have my little .22 rifle registered by the end of this year? If not, what are the TV commercials about... certificates or something like that? Anyways... if anyone could help me clarify this.

Thank You.