The bill, he said, is an “additional tool” for families and law enforcement to intervene in certain situations.

It also builds on an existing law that allows for temporary restraining orders to be issued in cases involving threats of domestic violence, including the option in which an individual's firearms can be seized, Kaul noted.

Meanwhile, through the background checks bill, individuals wouldn’t be able to sell or transfer guns unless that process occurs through a federally licensed firearms dealer and includes a background check.

Those found guilty of violating the provisions of the bill would be charged with a misdemeanor, be fined between $500 and $10,000, may be imprisoned for up to nine months and may not be able to possess a firearm for two years.

The bill would apply to guns sold online or at gun shows and flea markets, but it also includes "reasonable" exemptions, according to Evers, for firearms sold to a dealer, law enforcement or a member of the armed services, as well as guns transferred via gift or inheritance and those classified as antiques.

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