Richardville legislation to revise post-purchase pistol inspection requirements approved by Senate
LANSING—The Michigan Senate today unanimously approved legislation sponsored by Sen. Randy Richardville to eliminate post-purchase safety inspection requirements for pistols.
“After hearing from several residents in my district that the current inspection process was burdensome, it was apparent that the requirements could be streamlined to make them less repetitive,” said Richardville, R-Monroe. “My legislation will not make it easier for individuals to obtain pistols because they will still have to get background checks and a license. The revised requirements, under Senate Bill 370, would simply allow new pistol owners to send their registration in by mail within 10 days rather than return it in person.”
A companion bill, SB 371, would create a state civil infraction for individuals who fail to return the registration during that time. The gun owner could be fined up to $250.
Currently, a prospective buyer must first obtain a purchase license from a local law enforcement agency and receive state and national criminal background checks. After purchasing the pistol, the new owner must take the gun back to the agency for an inspection and to turn in a registration form.
“Although the post-purchase inspection process is now required by law, many times the pistols are not inspected, so there is no need for the gun owner to submit the registration in person,” Richardville said. “The mail-in process will be simpler and more convenient for law-abiding gun owners.”
The Michigan Coalition for Responsible Gun Owners, Michigan United Conservation Clubs, National Rifle Association, Shooters Alliance for Firearm Rights and Great Lakes Shooting Sports Association support the legislation.
The bills have been sent to the House for consideration.
Posted: Tuesday, June 17, 2008
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