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by Jeff Hoser
A.B. 35 (Shelly & Jackson, sponsors)requires stringent testing of handgun owners and purchasers in order to obtain a ownership ID. Current handgun owners will be required to register all handguns they currently own.
Formulation of the tests is assigned exclusively to local law enforcement, but must include sections on firearms law, hazards of handguns in homes with children, safe firearms storage and compliance laws. Next, the applicant must demonstrate the safe handling and operation of all types of handguns to the satisfaction of the police testing authority. Third, the applicant must pass a functional live fire test to demonstrate competentancy and accuracy.
Among other restrictions are a limit of two tests per year per applicant, a four-year renewal cycle, and manadatory time-limited reporting of changes of name, address, theft or casualty loss.
A.B.35 also mandates new restrictions upon retailers including visibility, storage and security of premises requirements. Retailers will be required to prominently post mandated
messages detailing the risk handguns pose to children, statistics on child gun deaths, storage laws and dispense gun locks.
This is an extremely complex bill with many provisions for arbitrary withholding of the required ID based upon subjective opinion of the evaluator. The bill also contains retroactive provisions back to 1992.
This bill, if passed, will impose significant burdens upon (currently) lawful handgun owners. Based upon my reading there is no "grace" period in which to obtain the neccessary ID stipulated. Handgun owner/applicants could face possbile prosecution while awaiting an opportunity to schedule testing. Nor is it clear what his status would be should the owner/applicant "fail" whatever tests are mandated.
The legislation is a bold attempt to outlaw handguns by erecting extremely rigorous possession criteria. Hollywood may also feel the impact of A.B. 35 as the law requires the ID card to borrow or rent handguns.
Uploaded: 2/5/2001
Uploaded: 2/5/2001