05/06/1999 01:18 PM Senate RLS

SENATOR LEMAN moved to calendar SB 130-FEES/IMMUNITY SALE/TRANSFER                                                              
OF FIREARMS.  SENATOR ELLIS objected for the purpose of an                                                                      
explanation.                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
SENATOR LEMAN explained that according to testimony before the                                                                  
Senate Finance Committee, federal regulations allow a local police                                                              
chief or other designated person to sign a form for the transfer of                                                             
certain firearms.  Approximately 50 transfers per year are expected                                                             
to take place; the transfers tend to be firearms sold as collectors                                                             
items.  Many police chiefs are not signing the transfer forms                                                                   
because of concerns about liability.  SB 130 allows those                                                                       
designated to collect a fee for the transfer for the purpose of                                                                 
performing a criminal background check.                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
SENATOR ELLIS asked what level of immunity is granted in SB 130.                                                                
                                                                                                                                
SENATOR LEMAN stated he thinks the designees would continue to be                                                               
liable for gross negligence, and that he would expect that no                                                                   
official would want to sign the transfer form without at least                                                                  
conducting a criminal background check.                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
SENATOR ELLIS removed his objection.                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
CHAIRMAN KELLY announced without objection, SB 130 would be                                                                     
calendared.  He then adjourned the meeting.