HB 24-1353 Summary

• Requires all federal firearms dealers to obtain a state permit from the Department of Revenue beginning July 1, 2025, with a $400 initial fee (adjustable up to $25 annually).

• Establishes eligibility criteria including holding a valid federal firearms license, no license revocation within 3 years, and no conviction for firearms-related violations within 3 years.

• Mandates dealer training on federal and state firearm laws, identifying straw purchasers, recognizing indicators of illegal use or self-harm, and firearm security practices; dealers must complete training within 30 days of permit issuance and annually thereafter.

• Requires dealers to conduct background checks on employees handling firearms using fingerprint-based criminal history records, with checks repeated every three years.

• Creates penalties including unclassified felony charges (up to $250,000 fine) for operating without a permit, and permit revocation authority for violations including failure to secure firearms, unauthorized sales, or hiring ineligible employees.