Raised Bill No. 7056 seeks to amend current laws governing the issuance of permits for carrying pistols or revolvers and the sale of firearms. A significant change is the replacement of the chief executive officer of a municipality with the Commissioner of Emergency Services and Public Protection as the authority responsible for issuing retail firearm sale permits. The bill mandates that applicants for these permits must possess a valid eligibility certificate or state permit to carry a pistol or revolver and provide documentation of compliance with local zoning requirements, with exceptions for personal collection sales. Additionally, it allows for the renewal of existing permits for the sale of pistols or revolvers as permits for the sale of firearms.

The bill also introduces stricter requirements for obtaining temporary state permits to carry pistols or revolvers, including a state and national criminal history records check, completion of an approved safety course, and specific disqualifications based on criminal and mental health history. It emphasizes the need for applicants to confirm they have not applied for a temporary permit within the past twelve months and limits applications to once per year. The bill enhances confidentiality for permit holders and clarifies that permits do not authorize carrying firearms in prohibited locations. Overall, the proposed changes aim to streamline the permitting process while enhancing public safety and ensuring compliance with local regulations. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 29-28, 29-28a, 29-33