Civil Defense

     Beginning August 1, 2026, you must complete a firearms safety course before purchasing or transferring what is being called a "Specified Semiautomatic Firearm (SSF)". An SSF is defined as a semiautomatic rifle or shotgun with a detachable magazine OR a gas-operated semiautomatic handgun with a detachable magazine. Apparently, our Department of Revenue (DOR) is supposed to provide a list of firearms that fall into this category. 

     This law only affects people who will purchase and transfer an SSF after August 1, 2026. Those who are in possession of one prior to August 1, 2026 are grandfathered in and do not need the class. This is only relevant to the purchase of a new one that is defined as this type. Firearms matching the description bought out of state do not apply either. 

​

     The law defines what they are calling "specified semiautomatic firearm" as a rifle or semiautomatic shotgun with a detachable magazine or a gas operated semiautomatic handgun with a detachable magazine. 

​

    The only exemptions that apply are as follows:

1. Completed a hunter education course certified by the division of parks and wildlife (division) and, within 5 years before making the purchase, completed a basic firearms safety course;

2. Within 5 years before making the purchase, completed an extended firearms safety course; or

3. Completed an extended firearms safety course more than 5 years before making the purchase and completed a basic firearms safety course within 5 years before making the purchase.​

​

      In order to enroll in a basic or extended firearms safety course, you must hold a valid firearms safety course eligibility card (firearms course card) issued by a sheriff. This includes completing a name-based background check, paying a processing fee set by the sheriff (if the Sheriff wants one), and paying the firearms training and safety course record fee established by the division.

IF the Sheriff denies the application only if the applicant cannot lawfully possess a firearm under state or federal law or the sheriff cannot positively identify the applicant. A sheriff may deny an application for a firearms course card if the sheriff has a reasonable belief that documented previous behavior by the applicant makes it likely the applicant will present a danger to themself or others if the applicant were to pe issued said card. A sheriff shall revoke an issued firearms course card if the cardholder cannot lawfully possess a firearm under state or federal law and may revoke an issued card if the sheriff has a reasonable belief that documented previous behavior by the applicant makes it likely the applicant will present a danger to themself or others. The act sets forth the process for judicial review of the denial or revocation of a firearms course card.

​

     The law requires the Department of Revenue to be responsible for issuing state firearms dealer permits to publish and make publicly available guidance about specific models of specified semiautomatic firearms to which the law applies. In other words these guys are responsible for creating a list of all the firearms that fall under this law.  Please click the link below to be directed to the list.

​