HB 5972 Summary

• Replaces the pistol purchase licensing system with a pistol registration requirement where buyers must complete registration forms in quadruplicate and return copies to the registering authority (sheriff or chief of police) within 10 days of purchase.

• Eliminates the requirement to obtain a license before purchasing a pistol, instead requiring registration of each pistol acquisition with specific details about the firearm and the transaction date.

• Allows purchasers to carry a newly acquired pistol for 30 days using a registration record or transfer document, after which the registration document is no longer required to be carried.

• Requires the registering authority to enter pistol registration information into a statewide pistol entry database within 10 days and forward records to the state police within 48 hours of receipt.

• Establishes penalties for failure to comply with registration requirements (civil infraction up to $250 fine) and forgery of registration documents (felony punishable by up to 4 years imprisonment or $2,000 fine).