Would it be possible to discuss just this one issue in a single thread without talking about other issues surrounding gun control and shootings in the US?
Here is my hypothetical (I hesitate to call it a proposal since I haven't really thought it out much):
What is a Federal Gun Owners License?
A Federal Gun Owner License that would be required for gun or ammo purchases, transfers or loans, whether through stores or person to person, and the validity could be checked via website or 1-800 number instantly.
Any transfer of possession or ownership of guns or ammo to a person without a license would be a crime and any possession or ownership of a gun or ammo by a person without a license would be a crime. An exception would be made for licensed gun ranges where guns could be shared by the range or individuals on premises without any verification, but no ammo or guns could leave the range with anyone who does not have a license. A further exception could be made for temporary possession of a firearm or ammo in the presence of and under the supervision of a license holder.
I'm sure I'm missing some other needed exceptions here, such as turning in lost items or some other issues. I'd appreciate those pointing out the obvious misses being polite about my shortcomings.
How to get a Federal Gun Owners License?
Start with a background check. Just kidding, start with a fee and then you get to the background check.
Then having a unified training course that goes through the basics of safe gun ownership in some detail. Especially safe storage and the responsibilities of gun ownership. That should be the focus of this license: safe storage. A cursory overview of gun safety would also be required and a summary of the applicable laws governing the safe storage and transport of firearms in the jurisdiction and nearby jurisdictions. I'm imagining 8-12 hours spread out over four class sessions, but I'm not wed to the idea. I am wed to the idea that the instructor has to sign puff on each person that passes their class as to their understanding o the course material.
Some sort of medical and mental health check. I think pilots have the closest analogue, but this would be a bit different.
How to Maintain a Federal Gun Owners License?
Must be updated every 2 years with a new back ground check and a shortened refresher course on safe gun transportation and storage. A one time class, but again with instructor sign off on comprehension.
Any citizen may file a complaint against a License holder that their license should be reviewed. This would include doctors, family members, co-workers, etc. Repeat frivolous claims should be actionable against the complainant. And a complaint alone is not grounds for losing the license, just grounds for reviewing the license.
Courts and doctors would have the authority to issue a hold against a license holder, effectively invalidating their license for a period of time. The hold would have to be based on convictions, bail terms, plea agreements,etc. for the court to ensure due process. For the doctors it would be based on meds being prescribed at the time or medical determination that the person was no longer fit to safely be trusted with a firearm. This would be reviewable, of course, to provide due process.
A hold could be converted to a revocation of the license in certain cases. Some would allow the person to reapply, some would not.
Any fraudulent information in an application would be grounds for prosecution. A law that is not currently enforced, but should be, when it comes to background checks.
I've got to get on the phone for a client, but that's what I came up with off the top of my head. Fire away!
Here is my hypothetical (I hesitate to call it a proposal since I haven't really thought it out much):
What is a Federal Gun Owners License?
A Federal Gun Owner License that would be required for gun or ammo purchases, transfers or loans, whether through stores or person to person, and the validity could be checked via website or 1-800 number instantly.
Any transfer of possession or ownership of guns or ammo to a person without a license would be a crime and any possession or ownership of a gun or ammo by a person without a license would be a crime. An exception would be made for licensed gun ranges where guns could be shared by the range or individuals on premises without any verification, but no ammo or guns could leave the range with anyone who does not have a license. A further exception could be made for temporary possession of a firearm or ammo in the presence of and under the supervision of a license holder.
I'm sure I'm missing some other needed exceptions here, such as turning in lost items or some other issues. I'd appreciate those pointing out the obvious misses being polite about my shortcomings.
How to get a Federal Gun Owners License?
Start with a background check. Just kidding, start with a fee and then you get to the background check.
Then having a unified training course that goes through the basics of safe gun ownership in some detail. Especially safe storage and the responsibilities of gun ownership. That should be the focus of this license: safe storage. A cursory overview of gun safety would also be required and a summary of the applicable laws governing the safe storage and transport of firearms in the jurisdiction and nearby jurisdictions. I'm imagining 8-12 hours spread out over four class sessions, but I'm not wed to the idea. I am wed to the idea that the instructor has to sign puff on each person that passes their class as to their understanding o the course material.
Some sort of medical and mental health check. I think pilots have the closest analogue, but this would be a bit different.
How to Maintain a Federal Gun Owners License?
Must be updated every 2 years with a new back ground check and a shortened refresher course on safe gun transportation and storage. A one time class, but again with instructor sign off on comprehension.
Any citizen may file a complaint against a License holder that their license should be reviewed. This would include doctors, family members, co-workers, etc. Repeat frivolous claims should be actionable against the complainant. And a complaint alone is not grounds for losing the license, just grounds for reviewing the license.
Courts and doctors would have the authority to issue a hold against a license holder, effectively invalidating their license for a period of time. The hold would have to be based on convictions, bail terms, plea agreements,etc. for the court to ensure due process. For the doctors it would be based on meds being prescribed at the time or medical determination that the person was no longer fit to safely be trusted with a firearm. This would be reviewable, of course, to provide due process.
A hold could be converted to a revocation of the license in certain cases. Some would allow the person to reapply, some would not.
Any fraudulent information in an application would be grounds for prosecution. A law that is not currently enforced, but should be, when it comes to background checks.
I've got to get on the phone for a client, but that's what I came up with off the top of my head. Fire away!
