House committee holds first hearing on HB210 (Prohibit Law Enforcement Destruction of Firearms)

by Chad D. Baus

State Rep. John Becker delivered sponsor testimony on House Bill 210 Tuesday before the House Transportation, Public Safety and Homeland Security committee.

HB 210 would prohibit law enforcement agencies from destroying an unclaimed or forfeited firearm, requiring them to instead sell the property to a federally licensed firearms dealer all which are legal for persons to possess, that are not used by an agency for police work, and that are not otherwise sold for sporting use or as a museum piece or collectors' item.

Following is Becker's testimony in its entirety:

Greetings Chairman Damschroder, Vice Chairman Ruhl, Ranking Minority Member Mallory and fellow members of the committee:

Thank you for allowing me to appear before you today to offer sponsor testimony for HB 210.

Firearms are property. When law enforcement agencies destroy firearms, they are destroying assets. At a time when budgets are tight, it makes no more sense to destroy firearms than it does to destroy office furniture, vehicles, computers, or other assets that are generally sold or auctioned off when they are no longer needed.

Some firearms are rare or collectables with considerable value. Some may have historical significance. Destroying these or any guns does nothing to help a crime problem, and harms a law enforcement agency’s finances compared to auctioning them off.

Under HB 210, guns that are to be disposed of would be sold or auctioned to a federal firearms dealer. They would sell them to individuals. Going through a firearms dealer ensures that anyone who buys one of these guns would first be required to pass a federal background check. The last thing we want to do is return guns back to criminals. This bill has appropriate safeguards to ensure that only law abiding citizens would be permitted to buy the firearms that the law enforcement agency is disposing.

Many guns could be sold to individuals for home defense or self-defense. As many of you know, often times, the people who have the greatest need for self-defense can afford it the least.

Over the past few years, the enormous demand for firearms has driven up prices. HB 210 will help make self-defense more affordable for the economically disadvantaged. Many want, or believe that they need, quality firearms to protect their families, but can't afford them because of today's inflated prices.

The departments selling the guns would have increased revenues without needing to take any additional funds from our taxpayers. The money could be used for training, bullet proof vests, tactical gear, or fulfill other needs that are currently going unmet because of budget constraints.

HB 210 is a win-win for law enforcement, public safety, firearms collectors, sportsmen, and taxpayers.

In conclusion, I'd like to thank you for your attention and I am asking you all for your affirmative vote on HB 210.

Chad D. Baus is the Buckeye Firearms Association Vice Chairman.