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House approves stricter rules for gun shows after extensive amendments and debate
Summary
Lawmakers approved a bill requiring promoters to submit security plans, obtain insurance, require background checks via licensed dealers and set vendor certification standards; the measure drew extensive amendments and discussion over local control and enforceability.
The House passed House Bill 12-38 on March 7, a package of new requirements for gun-show promoters and vendors that includes security plans, liability insurance, video surveillance and vendor certification rules intended to tighten safety and accountability at exhibitions where firearms are bought and sold.
Rep. David Camacho, the bill’s sponsor, said the measure is not intended to restrict lawful gun ownership but to reduce theft, unauthorized transfers and safety risks at events. The bill requires promoters to prepare and submit a security plan to local law enforcement, to maintain liability insurance, to verify compliance with the three-day waiting period for firearm transfers and to ensure vendors—many of whom must be federally licensed—conduct required background checks. The bill also adds labeling and storage rules for firearms and ammunition at vendor booths.
Floor debate and multiple amendments occupied much of the day. Sponsors and supporters emphasized stakeholder negotiations that led to changes including an exemption for certain collectors (curio and relic firearms), a carve-out for military members under 18 in specific circumstances, and revised labeling language for magazines and “curio/relic” items. Representative Clifford moved and the House adopted an amendment clarifying non-dealer participation rules so that private owners can bring firearms for consignment without becoming a licensed dealer.
Opponents questioned enforceability, local control and technical feasibility. Several members, including Representatives Amargast and DeGraaf, urged leaving aspects of regulation to counties and municipalities, arguing local officials and sheriffs already manage public-safety responses at events and that one-size-fits-all state rules could be burdensome. Representative Luck and others raised technical concerns about requiring promoters to provide video surveillance of parking areas and retain footage for six months, saying venues and private-property owners may not permit permanent or extensive camera installations or sharing of recordings.
The bill was amended several times on the floor to reflect stakeholder input: some proposals to change definitions of “high-capacity” magazines were rejected; staff and sponsors accepted amendments clarifying vendor certification, exemptions for curio and relic firearms, and the military-exemption language. After the amendment process, the measure passed the House. Sponsors said the bill is intended to balance public safety and lawful commerce.
Why it matters: Supporters say regulated, insured and certified gun shows reduce the risk that firearms will be sold without background checks or diverted to illegal markets. Critics said the wide-ranging state mandates risk interfering with local governance, impose technical and cost burdens on promoters and may not address the theft patterns they claim to target.
What’s next: The amended bill moves to further legislative steps. Sponsors and opponents said they will continue stakeholder engagement over technical provisions such as surveillance and vendor certification.
