SB 18

Abstract

Firearms; criminal history record information checks; agerequirement; penalty. Provides that a person must be at least 21 years old,or must be at least 18 years old by the effective date of the bill, to purchasea firearm. The bill requires a background check for any firearm transfer andrequires the Department of State Police to establish a process for transferorsof firearms to obtain such a check from licensed firearms dealers. A transferorwho fails to obtain a required background check and transfers the firearm toanother person is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. The bill exempts certaintransfers from the required background check. The bill removes the provision thatmakes background checks of prospective purchasers or transferees at firearmsshows voluntary. The bill also provides that any person who recklessly leaves aloaded, unsecured firearm in such a manner as to endanger the life or limb ofany person under the age of 18 is guilty of a Class 6 felony and that it is aClass 1 misdemeanor for any person knowingly to authorize a child under the age18 to use a firearm except when the person is under the supervision of anadult. Current law provides that any person who recklessly leaves a loaded,unsecured firearm in such a manner as to endanger the life or limb of any childunder the age of 14 is guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor and it is a Class 1misdemeanor for any person knowingly to authorize a child under the age 12 touse a firearm except when the person is under the supervision of an adult. Thebill also raises the age from 18 to 21 for any person to knowingly andintentionally possess or transport a handgun or assault firearm anywhere in theCommonwealth.