KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) – The Firearms (Amendment) Act 2015, which will improve the operational and financial effectiveness of the Firearms Licensing Authority, was passed in the Senate on Friday (January 15).

The Bill, which was piloted by Minister of Justice Senator Mark Golding, was passed with one amendment.

 It seeks to remove the requirement for the FLA to refund the fees paid for applications for licences and certificates where such applications are refused.

“This amendment will assist the Authority to continue to achieve sustainable financial viability without needing the support of taxpayers’ money and thereby enabling it to continue to provide quality service to its clients,” said Golding.

The Bill also seeks to empower the board of the FLA, upon written approval from the Permanent Secretary in the National Security Ministry, to appoint a Chief Executive Officer (CEO), who will recruit staff as necessary for the efficient operations of the Authority.

It also changes the ending of the financial year of the Authority from August 31 to March 31.

“This will put the authority’s financial year in sync with the government’s fiscal year. The existing financial year that ends in August has a significant negative impact on the Authority’s reporting requirements and budgeting because it is out of sync with the government’s budgeting cycle,” he noted.