The proposed bill, "Jaime's Law," seeks to amend Florida Statutes section 790.065 to require background checks for the sale or transfer of ammunition, aligning it with existing firearm regulations. Licensed importers, manufacturers, or dealers will be mandated to obtain a completed form from potential buyers, collect a processing fee for criminal history checks, and request a check from the Department of Law Enforcement. Exceptions to these requirements include individuals with valid concealed weapons licenses and certain transfers of ammunition, such as at shooting ranges or for hunting purposes. The bill also introduces provisions allowing transfers if the transferor has no reason to believe the transferee will misuse the ammunition and mandates the Department of Law Enforcement to maintain an automated database of individuals prohibited from purchasing firearms or ammunition due to mental health issues.
Additionally, the bill establishes a timeline for the Department of Law Enforcement to determine a potential buyer's eligibility, requiring a decision within 24 working hours. If a determination cannot be made in that time, a conditional approval number will be issued to the licensee, which can be revoked if the buyer is later found to be prohibited. The bill outlines penalties for providing false information during the purchasing process and clarifies that licensed dealers are not liable for damages resulting from compliance with the new regulations. It also specifies that these provisions do not apply to law enforcement agencies making purchases for official purposes, with the bill set to take effect on October 1, 2025.