Relating to the disposition of firearms and ammunition deposited with the department of public safety through seizure or forfeiture proceedings

This bill relates to the disposition of firearms and ammunition deposited with the department of public safety (department) through seizure or forfeiture proceedings. Current law provides the department with specified options on how to dispose of firearms or ammunition acquired through seizure or forfeiture, including destruction of the firearm or ammunition. The bill requires the department to sell seized or forfeited legal firearms and ammunition through public auction, unless an exception applies. The exceptions include if the firearm or ammunition may be otherwise used by the department, has such distinctive or unique characteristics so as to make it an important addition to the department’s weapons archive, or is necessary for an exchange with a federal agency or agency from another state for specified uses or due to extraordinary circumstances, which shall be individually approved and recorded by the commissioner. The bill also provides that a firearm or ammunition may be destroyed only if it fails to sell at public auction or is determined damaged or unsafe for use. Certain disposition requirements do not apply to weapons or ammunition that are illegal or offensive weapons.