02/16/1994 01:32 PM Senate JUD

 SENATOR DONLEY presented a Letter of Intent for  SJR 39  (RIGHT TO            
 KEEP AND BEAR ARMS) which discusses three points of concern.  The             
 first paragraph speaks to the applicability of SJR 39 to private              
 action.  The second paragraph addresses the appropriate standard              
 for SJR 39, a strict scrutiny standard is required.  Paragraph                
 three recognizes existing laws limiting felons from owning                    
 firearms, although they may not have been convicted of a violent              
 felony.  He explained that the legislature found that if a felony             
 is committed, that disregard of the law can justify the legislature           
 limiting access and possession of firearms.  He said that the goal            
 of paragraph three is to defend existing firearm limitations on               
 felons from a constitutional challenge under the new constitutional           
 standard.                                                                     
                                                                               
 CHAIRMAN TAYLOR suggested that Senator Donley circulate the Letter            
 of Intent to have comments.  He scheduled the Letter of Intent for            
 the next hearing.  He thanked Senator Donley for his work.