Senate rejects amendment to make transferring guns to known felons a state class A misdemeanor

Senate Bill 34, carried by Senator Campbell, came up on third and final reading with a Judiciary Committee amendment that would make it a class A misdemeanor to sell or transfer a firearm to a person known to be prohibited from possessing one under state and federal law.

Senator Campbell said the bill "closes a loophole" and aligns state law with existing federal prohibitions. Members probed the bill’s language: Senator Pote and others pressed whether the statute required a person to act "knowingly" versus a lower standard. The sponsor and other supporters said the amendment clarifies intent and mirrors language used elsewhere in state code.

After brief exchanges about definitions and practical applications, the Senate took a roll-call vote. The clerk recorded 11 ayes and 21 nays; the chair announced the bill was rejected. Senator Campbell renewed his motion before the vote, but the tally failed to meet the majority required to pass.

The debate centered on enforcing accountability for transfers to prohibited persons while aligning with federal law; opponents raised concerns about language breadth and potential unintended consequences. Because the chamber recorded the final action as a rejection, no further Senate action on this amendment occurred during the session.