HB3044 Summary

• Changes references in firearm transfer statutes from "sell or give" to "transfer" and creates new offense of unlawful acquisition of handguns with Class A misdemeanor penalty for first offense and Class 4 felony for subsequent offenses.

• Prohibits any person (except federal firearms dealers) from acquiring more than one handgun within any 30-day period.

• Allows exemptions from the one-handgun-per-month limit through enhanced background check and special application to Department of State Police for lawful business, personal use, collector series, estate sales, and similar purposes.

• Exempts law enforcement agencies, correctional agencies, antique firearms, and persons whose handguns are stolen or lost who obtain police reports documenting the loss within 30 days.

• Establishes affirmative defenses including reliance on State Police records and receipt of firearms as heir or beneficiary of a deceased person.