Committee advances bill granting limited immunity to licensed dealers who return firearms after holds
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Summary
Senate Bill 356 would protect federal firearm licensees from civil liability when they return a firearm at the end of a firearm-hold agreement, with an explicit exception for unlawful conduct by the licensee; the committee passed the bill out favorably to the floor.
The Senate Federal and State Affairs Committee voted to advance Senate Bill 356 after a brief presentation and limited discussion on Feb. 20.
Jason told the committee SB356 would provide immunity for federally licensed firearm dealers if they return a firearm to its owner at the termination of a firearm-hold agreement. The bill defines the covered licensees as federal firearm licensees and provides that immunity would not apply where the licensee engaged in unlawful conduct.
Senator Gossage, who moved to pass the bill out of committee favorably, said the bill is voluntary for dealers and provides a mechanism for temporary relinquishment without exposing the dealer to civil liability when they return the weapon. Senator Francisco and others noted concerns about storage in rental properties and safe-handling risks but expressed appreciation for the bill's ability to provide a safe-storage option. Committee staff clarified that the immunity does not extend to unlawful conduct by the licensee. The motion to pass SB356 out of committee, moved by Senator Gossage and seconded by Senator Starnes, carried on voice vote and the chair announced the bill "passes and heads out to the floor."
