Firearms: transfers.

Existing law requires the transfer of a firearm to be conducted through a licensed dealer. Existing law also requires a licensed dealer processing the transfer of a firearm to conduct a background check of the recipient, to hold the firearm for a designated waiting period before releasing the firearm, and to require the recipient to possess a safety certificate and demonstrate safe handling of the firearm. A violation of these provisions is a misdemeanor. Existing law exempts certain firearms transactions that occur as part of a charitable auction, as specified, from these requirements. This bill would repeal these exemptions for charitable auctions and would instead authorize a charitable organization, as specified, to conduct no more than 3 auctions, raffles, or similar events per year in which firearms, other than handguns, may be auctioned, raffled, or otherwise sold, and would require those firearms to be transferred to a licensed dealer to process the transfer pursuant to all legal requirements, including a background check and waiting period. The bill would also revise existing provisions referencing charitable auctions and similar events to additionally include charitable raffles, as specified. By increasing the scope of an existing crime, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.