Amended Substitute House Bill 228 Summary

• Establishes state preemption of local firearm regulations, declaring null and void any local ordinances, rules, or resolutions that impose further licenses, permissions, restrictions, or delays on firearm ownership, possession, carrying, or transfer beyond federal and state law.

• Allows civil actions against political subdivisions by persons adversely affected by conflicting local firearm regulations, with courts awarding damages, declaratory relief, injunctive relief, and reasonable attorney fees if the challenger prevails or if the ordinance is repealed after the suit is filed.

• Modifies self-defense law to presume individuals acted in self-defense or defense of another when using defensive force against someone unlawfully entering their residence or vehicle, shifting burden of proof to prosecution to prove otherwise beyond reasonable doubt.

• Expands the definition of law enforcement officers to include persons authorized to carry firearms subject to section 109.801 requirements, designating them as always on duty with continuing legal authority regardless of official work hours.

• Creates new restrictions on firearm transactions and unlawful dealings, establishing felony and misdemeanor penalties for straw purchases, providing false information to dealers, and unlawful solicitation related to firearm transfers.