Every month Orchid Advisors provides NASGW members with a summary of legislation across the 50 States. We endeavor to only publish information on bills that have a direct or immediate impact to your firearms business.
After a busy June, the volume of firearms legislation in state capitols being introduced or passed in July was reduced considerably. Here is a look at some of the notable legislation that saw activity this month:
New Jersey – A 3896
This bill requires the Attorney General, in consultation with the Commissioner of Health, to establish a suicide prevention course curriculum and suicide prevention informational materials for firearm retail dealers who sell firearms or operate a firing range in this State. In addition, the bill requires the Attorney General to distribute the suicide prevention materials to each firearm retail dealer who sells firearms or operates a firing range. The informational materials would advise customers on methods to prevent firearms from being accessible to a friend or family member in crisis. A firearm retail dealer who sells firearms or operates a firing range would be required to make the informational materials available at each retail purchase counter.
A 3896 was signed by the Governor on July 16. Its provisions take effect February 1, 2020.
New Jersey – S 101
This bill establishes a Personalized Handgun Authorization Commission which is responsible for establishing performance standards for personalized handguns, also known as “smart guns” and “child proof guns.” The commission is also responsible for approving and maintaining a roster of personalized handguns authorized for sale to the public. In addition, the bill repeals certain sections of the current law that mandates the sale of only “smart handguns” once they become commercially available. Instead, the bill requires firearm retailers to have at least one personalized handgun approved by the commission for sale on the retail premises. The bill also requires a retail dealer to place an order for at least one personalized handgun within 21 days after its personalized handgun inventory is depleted. The retail dealer is required to maintain the written records of the business’s efforts to place an order for additional personalized handguns. The retail dealer is also required to maintain a sign on the premises indicating that personalized handguns are routinely sold on the retail dealer’s premises and will soon be available for purchase.
S 101 was signed by the Governor on July 16. Its provisions take effect February 1, 2020.
Wisconsin AB 336
AB 336 was introduced July 16, 2019 and proposes a 48 hour waiting period following a background check before a dealer may transfer a handgun to a purchaser. This bill is currently pending in committee.
Virginia SB 4002
This bill would have limited consumers to the purchase of one handgun in any given 30 day period, with certain limited exceptions. The Senate’s Committee for Courts of Justice voted to pass by indefinitely on 7/9/19, which more often than not means this legislation is dead.
Virginia SB 4019
This bill would have required background checks for all firearm transfers in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The Senate’s Committee for Courts of Justice voted to pass by indefinitely on 7/9/19.
Virginia SB 4024
This bill would have implemented an assault weapon ban, as well as a ban on large-capacity magazines and silencers. The Senate’s Committee for Courts of Justice voted to pass by indefinitely on 7/9/19.
Orchid Advisors provides ATF and ITAR compliance services to manufacturing, distribution and retail FFLs. The firm offers FFL and Export licensing, deep record inspections, e4473 / NFA eForms, Electronic Bound Book software and delivers the largest online ATF and ITAR compliance training platform available. Together with its partners, Orchid delivers the only integrated firearm compliance, technology and legal solution.