H.F. No. 2897 Summary

• Requires background checks for firearm transfers between unlicensed persons, with both parties appearing before a federally licensed firearms dealer to facilitate the transfer and conduct the background check.

• Makes unauthorized firearm transfer a gross misdemeanor for first conviction and a felony punishable by up to 2 years imprisonment or $5,000 fine for second or subsequent conviction.

• Exempts transfers to/between licensed dealers, law enforcement, immediate family members, estate transfers, antique firearms, temporary emergency transfers, and transfers at shooting ranges or organized competitions.

• Allows federally licensed firearms dealers to charge a reasonable fee for conducting background checks and facilitating transfers between unlicensed persons.

• Effective August 1, 2017, applying to crimes committed on or after that date.