Tomorrow, the Senate Judiciary Committee is scheduled to hear Senate Bill 1291 and SB 1657. Additionally, the House Judiciary Committee will hear the crossfile of SB 1291, HB 2354. Please contact members of the Senate and House Judiciary Committees and strongly urge them to oppose these anti-gun bills. Also, it’s important for members and Second Amendment supporters to fill out and submit a witness slip in order to be placed on the record in opposition to SB 1291/HB 2354 and SB 1657. Witness slips for Senate Judiciary can be filled out here, and the House here.
SB 1291/ HB 2354 would allow an individual’s family members or law enforcement to petition the court for an ex parte restraining order if they consider the individual to be a danger to themselves or others simply because the individual owns, possesses or purchases a firearm. According to the summary of the bill, an ex parte order would be issued by a judge based solely on a brief, unsubstantiated affidavit made by a petitioner and absent any input made by the individual on which the order is targeted. If enacted, this legislation would require the surrender of FOID cards and concealed carry licenses as well as the seizure of all firearms to law enforcement. This legislation is ripe for abuse by individuals that disagree with the Second Amendment, and the mere insinuation that gun ownership makes you a danger to yourself or others is offensive and insulting.
SB 1657 creates an onerous gun dealer licensing scheme within the state. While the purported intent of this legislation was to enhance “responsible business practices,” this proposed legislation only proves that the intention is to close as many federally licensed firearm dealers (FFLs) as possible. The federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) licenses and closely monitors all FFLs and strictly enforces any infringement of federal law. SB 1657 goes far beyond federal law in its mandatory regulations and red tape imposed at the state level that it would almost assuredly force the closure of most firearm dealers, and prevent prospective owners from opening new ones. This legislation seeks to create so many department divisions, anti-gun 5-member licensing boards, and licensing fees that dealers would be forced to close through oversight by anti-gun appointees or being priced out of business.
It’s imperative that you contact the members of the Senate and House Judiciary Committees and politely urge them to strongly oppose SB 1291, SB 1657 and House Bill 2354. Also, be sure to fill out and submit a witness slip in order to be placed on the record in opposition to SB 1291.