AR HB1761

Requires unlicensed persons to obtain a background check through a licensed firearms dealer before selling or transferring a firearm to another unlicensed person, with seller and buyer appearing jointly with the firearm.

Exempts transfers between immediate family members, to law enforcement/military personnel, antique firearms, estate/trust transfers by operation of law, emergency transfers to prevent death or injury, and temporary transfers for hunting, shooting ranges, competitions, or public performances.

Permits licensed dealers to charge reasonable fees for conducting background checks and transferring firearms between unlicensed persons; prohibits background check fees charged to dealers required to conduct checks under the law.

Establishes criminal penalties of Class A misdemeanor for first offense and Class D felony for second or subsequent offense of knowingly transferring a firearm in violation of the requirement.

Requires licensed dealers conducting background checks to comply with all federal and state recordkeeping requirements and contact the Arkansas Crime Information Center as if conducting a sale from their own inventory.