Firearms. Right To Possess And Carry. Penalties For Criminal Use.

FIREARMS. RIGHT TO POSSESS AND CARRY. PENALTIES FOR CRIMINAL USE. INITIATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT AND STATUTE. Amends constitution to guarantee right to possess, transfer, and lawfully use firearms. Expands permitted carrying of concealed firearms by persons not disqualified. Allows computerized criminal background check at purchase. Prohibits possession by ex-felons and persons adjudged addicts or dangerous to themselves or others. Provides civil immunity for lawful use, transfer of firearms. Amends statutes to provide life sentences for possession of firearm in commission of felony. Allows trial, as adults, of juveniles 14 years or older, who commit felonies while in possession of a firearm. Summary of estimate by Legislative Analyst and Director of Finance of fiscal impact on state and local government: Would result in state and local government costs of several to tens of millions of dollars annually for processing of weapons permits, offset to an unknown degree by applicant fees. Would also result in state cost of tens of millions of dollars annually for operation of prisons due to longer sentences, with one-time costs of as much as $300 million for new prison construction