Read HR 45 for yourself

To the editor:

After reading Howard Delo’s article questioning an Associated Press story, Dems show little appetite for gun control, I decided to look at the Blair Holt’s Firearm Licensing and Record of Sale Act of 2009. I Googled HR 45 (you must have a space between HR and 45). The 1st entry is Thomas (Library of Congress), click. Go to, “Sec 101 Licensing requirement (2) Applicable Date (A) with respect to a qualifying firearm that is acquired by a person before the date of the enactment of Blair Holt’s Firearm Licensing and Record of Sale Act of 2009, two years after such date of enactment:” I did not realize this bill was retroactive. I decided to see what a qualifying firearm would be. Go to “Sec 3 Definitions (b)Amendments to Title 18 (36) (A) means (i) any handgun; or (ii) any semiautomatic firearm that can accept any detachable ammunition feeding device.” I did not realize a revolver and .22 calibers with a clip would qualify.

I decided to see about sale requirements. Go to “Sec 201 Sale or Transfer Requirements for qualifying firearms (bb).” This is too lengthy to include here. If I am reading this correct all qualifying guns can be sold only through a licensed dealer of various types. A private citizen with or without a firearms license can not. I decided to go to “Sec 401 Criminal Penalties (b)…failure to provide notice of change of address…” The revocation of a firearms license is understandable but fines and/or imprisonment under Section 922 of Title 18, United States Code. What is unclear is if this particular offense is not less than two years, five years or 10 years of imprisonment. I am having trouble finding Section 922 of Title 18, United States Code. I encourage your readers to look at HR 45 themselves and reach their own conclusions.

Robert Aguirre

Wasilla