SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5436
As of February 10, 2023
Title: An act relating to transfers of firearms to museums and historical societies.
Brief Description: Concerning transfers of firearms to museums and historical societies.
Sponsors: Senators Wilson, J., Dozier and Fortunato.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Law & Justice: 2/14/23.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Exempts a transfer, loan, gift, or bequest of firearms to a museum or historical society from background check requirements applicable to the sale or transfer of firearms.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON LAW & JUSTICE
Staff: Kevin Black (786-7747)
Background:

State law requires all firearm sales or transfers to be subject to a background check unless specifically exempted by state or federal law, including sales and transfers through a licensed dealer, at gun shows, online, and between unlicensed persons. Transfers or sales between unlicensed persons must be completed through a licensed dealer.

 

A list of situations are exempted from this background check requirement, including transfers involving immediate family members, law enforcement, licensed gunsmiths for the purpose of repair, antique firearms, and temporary transfers to prevent imminent death or great bodily harm.
Summary of Bill:

Background check requirements applicable to the sale or transfer of firearms shall not apply to a transfer, loan, gift, or bequest to a museum or historical society, or the return of loaned firearms to its lender from a museum or historical society, or to museum personnel while acting in the scope of their official duties.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.