The proposed legislation, General Assembly Raised Bill No. 5454, aims to amend the current laws regarding firearm permit fees and the conditions under which these fees may be refunded. The bill establishes that the fee for a state permit for carrying pistols and revolvers will be $140, plus any necessary funds for a national criminal history records check. It also specifies that $70 of the fee will be retained by the local permitting authority, with the remaining amount sent to the commissioner upon approval of the permit application. Additionally, the bill clarifies that the renewal fee for state permits will also be $70, and it outlines the expiration terms for both local and state permits.

Importantly, the bill introduces new provisions regarding fee refunds. It states that no fees will be refundable unless the permit was not issued or renewed, or if the local permitting authority fails to meet specific obligations within designated time limits. In such cases, the local authority is required to refund $70 to the applicant. The bill also specifies that any portion of the fee used for the national criminal history records check will not be refundable. This legislation is set to take effect on October 1, 2026, and aims to enhance accountability within the permitting process for firearms.