Thread: Change to expired license laws

My submission - mostly i agree but how it is implemented matters as well.

Arms (Licence Holders' Applications for New Licences) Amendment Bill

I/We wish to make the following comments:
“I generally support the Bill as written but have some comment as to how this process will work for someone who has an expired firearms license but is awaiting the outcome of the license renewal application.
A firearms license may be used in the following situations:
1.) When buying a firearm or ammunition (either in a shop, online via mail order form or permit to procure, or directly from a person).
2.) Produced when asked for by a member of Police.
3.) Produced when asked for by a member of the Department of Conservation, Customs, etc.
4.) Produced when asked for to compete in a sport shooting / shooting competition.
5.) Produced when asked for when transporting a firearm by commercial air travel.

The expired license awaiting renewal needs to be able to be used as a valid licences in all current uses of a valid license.
How will the public be able to check if a "expired" license is still valid because it is still awaiting the outcome of the license renewal application?”

I/We wish to make the following recommendations:
“As above, I generally support the intent of the Bill given the Police resourcing concerns both post-COVID and in light of the upcoming surge in renewal application on the 10year anniversary of the implementation of 10 year licenses.

I recommend that a new firearms license card be issued to the firearm license holder that is valid for 1 year following their existing license expiry date. This gives the firearm license holder a valid license to use in their day-to-day use while also removing the excuse of "my license has expired but i am waiting for the renewal to be processed". I would also expect this would make it easier to use existing online license validity checking tools. Police will still be able to revoke a license based on the renewal application being failed. Police will still be able to "flatten the 10 year renewal curve" by issuing a 1 year license followed by a second 1 year license if required.”

https://www.parliament.nz/en/ECommit...eateSubmission