...and so it begins

H.R.45 - Blair Holt's Firearm Licensing and Record of Sale Act of 2009

SayUncle provides a summary of the bill’s wants.

1. Require licensing for anybody that owns a gun.

2. Would require photographs and a thumbprint

3. Would require passage of a test that covers:

(A) the safe storage of firearms, particularly in the vicinity of persons who have not attained 18 years of age;

(B) the safe handling of firearms;

(C) the use of firearms in the home and the risks associated with such use;

(D) the legal responsibilities of firearms owners, including Federal, State, and local laws relating to requirements for the possession and storage of firearms, and relating to reporting requirements with respect to firearms; and

(E) any other subjects, as the Attorney General determines to be appropriate;

Note that “any other subjects, as the Attorney General determines to be appropriate;” bit. So the AG can, at the snap of his fingers make it either harder or easier to get a license. "Whim" is the word I was looking for. The AG's whim.

...and here’s Sebastian’s list of bits and pieces in the bill.

It is a bill that mandates licensing, registration and safe storage for handguns and semi-automatic rifles with detachable magazines. It also provides for inspection, so you surrender your fourth amendment rights by being licensed. It also requires reporting of Lost and Stolen firearms, and you must inform the federal government if you change addresses.

Sebastian notes this bill has no cosponsers and probably little chance of passing, but the antis are, if nothing else, persistent. Whatever losses they've had the past are not going to deter them. They see the Obama win as a validation for their position and they’re pushing it. It time to push back and drive a stake through this abomination’s heart.