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Bill Summary · HB 2621

HB 2621 — Summary (Introduced versions included in the provided text)

Note: The materials provided include two different introduced bills both numbered “HB 2621” from different states and sessions:
- An Arizona House bill that would add A.R.S. § 13‑3123 regulating private firearm sales/transfers and background checks.
- An Illinois House bill that would amend the Firearm Owner’s Identification (FOID) Card Act (430 ILCS 65), primarily lowering the minimum FOID age.
This summary treats each version separately and then outlines common impacts and status notes.

Short overview

  • Arizona version (A.R.S. § 13‑3123): Requires virtually all firearm sales or transfers to be completed through a licensed firearms dealer who conducts the required criminal background check (NICS), unless the buyer or seller is a licensed dealer or a specific statutory exception applies. Violations are a felony.
  • Illinois version (430 ILCS 65 amendments): Lowers the age at which a non‑active‑duty person may apply for a FOID card from 21 to 18, and adjusts related application/eligibility language (text partly truncated).

Arizona HB 2621 — Key provisions (adds A.R.S. § 13‑3123)

  • General rule: No person may sell or transfer a firearm unless:
    • the seller is a licensed firearms dealer, or
    • the buyer/transferee is a licensed firearms dealer, or
    • the transfer is facilitated through a licensed firearms dealer per the bill’s procedure.
  • Procedure for private transfers (when neither party is a licensed dealer):
    1. Both seller and buyer must appear in person at a licensed dealer with the firearm in hand and request the dealer perform a criminal background check on the transferee under 18 U.S.C. § 922(t) and applicable state/local law, unless the transferee displays a permit that exempts them from the check.
    2. Dealer must comply with federal/state transfer recordkeeping and NICS checks as if transferring from dealer inventory.
    3. If NICS or state checks indicate the transferee is prohibited, the dealer must notify the transferor and the transfer cannot occur.
    4. Dealer may charge transferee up to $20 to cover administrative costs and applicable fees.
  • Exceptions: law enforcement agencies/officers, U.S. Marshals, military/National Guard/federal officials acting in duties, gunsmiths for repair, common carriers/warehousemen engaged in transport/storage, temporary loans for target shooting on a range, minors loaned firearms for lawful hunting/sport where allowed by statute, loans while accompanying lawful owner for hunting/sport, antique firearms, bona fide gifts between immediate family members, emergency temporary transfers to prevent imminent death/great bodily harm (subject to conditions).
  • Penalty: Violation is a Class 5 felony.

Illinois HB 2621 — Key provisions (amendment to FOID Act, 430 ILCS 65)

  • Lowers the age threshold for non‑active duty applicants for a FOID card from 21 to 18.
  • Provides that persons under 18 may apply for a FOID without parental consent if they are active duty members of the U.S. Armed Forces.
  • Alters application/eligibility language concerning convictions/adjudications for applicants who are under the new age threshold. (Text in provided document is truncated; full statutory language should be consulted for details.)
  • Amends Sections 2, 4, and 8 of the FOID Act.

Who is affected

  • Arizona version: Private sellers and purchasers of firearms in Arizona who are not licensed dealers; licensed firearms dealers who would be asked to facilitate transfers; individuals currently conducting private transfers without background checks; immediate family transfers and specified exceptions remain unaffected.
  • Illinois version: Residents seeking FOID cards, particularly 18‑ to 20‑year‑olds (and certain under‑18 active duty applicants); law enforcement and licensing officials for implementation.

Procedural / status notes (from provided timeline)

  • Arizona version: Introduced Feb 10, 2025. Listed as “Second Reading referred to Rules” in the House. Sponsors include Rep. Aaron Márquez (primary) and several cosponsors.
  • Illinois version: Introduced Feb 6, 2025 (Rep. Adam M. Niemerg listed in the document). The provided legislative actions mixed multiple dates and committee actions; users should consult the official state legislative websites for current, authoritative status.

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Arizona bill would substantially curtail private-party transfers by requiring dealer-mediated transfers and NICS checks, expanding background‑check coverage beyond current private‑sale practices. Supporters may argue it closes loopholes; opponents may raise concerns about burden on private sellers/buyers and dealer liability/administrative costs.
  • The $20 maximum fee allows dealers to recoup some administrative costs, but implementation logistics (dealer willingness, staffing, recordkeeping) could affect availability and timeliness of transfers.
  • The penalties (Class 5 felony) create a significant legal risk for noncompliant private transfers.
  • Illinois amendments would broaden lawful FOID applicants to 18–20 year olds, changing access and administrative workload for the Illinois State Police; details of background eligibility criteria remain important.

For authoritative text, status, and final legislative language, consult the official Arizona Legislature and Illinois General Assembly bill pages for HB 2621 (2025 session) and the enacted statutes if/when passed.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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