Senate Bill 203 Summary

• Establishes comprehensive regulations for firearm transfers between unlicensed individuals at gun shows, requiring background checks and incompetency records checks through federally licensed dealers or point of contact agencies.

• Defines "gun show" as events with 25+ firearms exhibited or 3+ gun show vendors, and applies requirements to any transfer where part of the transaction occurs at the show, including parking areas.

• Requires gun show promoters to obtain permits from sheriffs, prepare security plans, maintain vendor lists, ensure ammunition clearance, post notices, and report all transfers to law enforcement and the federal government (with identifying information redacted).

• Establishes criminal penalties including $5,000 fines for unlicensed transferors violating the law and permanent bans from operating gun shows; misdemeanor penalties of $250-$500 for unlicensed transferees acquiring firearms in violation.

• Allows exemptions for bona fide family gifts, government transfers, authorized historical societies/museums, and firearms acquired through government buyback programs, provided proper authorization and conditions are met.