HB2597 - Gun Offender Registration Act

• Creates a mandatory gun offender registration system requiring individuals convicted of firearm-related offenses to register with local police or sheriff within 5 days of conviction, release, or residence change.

• Establishes a 10-year registration period (or lifetime for repeat offenders or those with prior sex/violent offender registrations), with registration extending 10 additional years for non-compliance.

• Requires the Department of State Police to maintain a Statewide Gun Offender Database accessible to the public via Internet, with information available at police headquarters during normal business hours.

• Mandates notification of gun offender information to schools, child care facilities, libraries, and institutions of higher education in relevant jurisdictions.

• Imposes penalties including Class 3 felony charges for violations, Class 2 felony for second or subsequent violations, minimum 7 days jail time, and $500 mandatory fines; creates Gun Offender Registration Fund from fees and fines to support program administration.