The future is uncertain for a bill that would outlaw firearm dealers from selling a gun to anyone on a federal terrorist watch list.
State senators took up the bill for about an hour – interrupted mid-debate for about 10 minutes when the chamber honored a retiring lobbyist with an official state tribute. It was then tabled.
Opponents – including the National Rifle Association and the American Civil Liberties Union – said that the bill is moving too quickly.
Senate Minority Whip Greg Lavelle (R-Sharpley) and others say it could deprive someone of their due process rights, since federal no-fly lists have little to no appeals process for someone wanting to strike their name.
“This thing is rushed. I think the federal government can figure this out and it’s my understanding if they do and when they do – because I believe they will – then that mandate will come down to us. Problem solved,” Lavelle said.
The measure was originally an amendment to the bill extending background check waiting times for gun purchases that passed the Senate Wednesday - then was introduced as a separate proposal.
There’s no clear timetable when debate on the bill might resume.
