Bill > S1868

Introduced Session

This bill provides county sheriffs with the authority to issue firearms purchaser identification cards and permits to purchase handguns, and provides them with authority to accept applications for permits to carry handguns. Under current law, a State resident applying for a firearms purchaser identification card or a permit to purchase a handgun must make such application to the chief law enforcement officer of an organized full-time police department of the municipality where the applicant resides or the Superintendent of State Police if the municipality does not have a full-time police force. Out-of-State residents must make application to the superintendent. The chief law enforcement officer, or superintendent, as the case may be, is tasked with taking fingerprints and initiating a criminal history records check on the applicant. Upon completion of the background investigation, the applicant is issued the identification card or permit by the chief law enforcement officer or superintendent. Under the provisions of this bill, county sheriffs are granted the same authority for State residents. In the instance of an application for a permit to carry a handgun, the initial application process is similar under current law. An applicant must make application to the chief law enforcement officer of an organized full-time police department of the municipality where the applicant resides or the Superintendent of State Police if the municipality does not have a full-time police force. Out-of-State residents and employees of armored trucks must make application to the superintendent. Upon approval of the application by the chief law enforcement officer, or superintendent, the Superior Court issues the permit. The bill provides county sheriffs with the authority to accept, investigate and approve or deny permit to carry applications for State residents.

Committee Categories

Parker Space (R)*, 

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Law and Public Safety Committee (on 01/09/2024)

Official Document