This bill amends existing laws concerning the relinquishment of deadly weapons by individuals who are subject to domestic violence protective orders. Key changes include a revised definition of "law enforcement officer" to include various police authorities and a requirement for defendants to "immediately" relinquish any deadly weapons to the peace officer serving the order. The bill also prohibits defendants from purchasing or possessing any deadly weapons, firearms, or ammunition for the duration of the protective order, with courts mandated to issue search warrants for seizure if necessary. Additionally, the bill introduces new legal language that makes it a class A misdemeanor for individuals to own, control, or possess firearms in violation of a court order, and a class B felony if the weapon is used to threaten or assault the protected party or law enforcement.

Furthermore, the legislation outlines the responsibilities of individuals under protective orders regarding the relinquishment of firearms and ammunition, stating that refusal to comply will result in immediate detention, and law enforcement must execute the order within four hours. The bill establishes penalties for defendants who fail to surrender firearms or disclose their locations, as well as for individuals who transfer firearms to those under protective orders. Set to take effect on January 1, 2027, the bill is expected to have indeterminable fiscal impacts on state and local governments, particularly in relation to judicial and correctional systems, without any identified funding sources to cover the associated costs.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 173-B:1, 173-B:4, 173-B:5
HB1084 text: 173-B:1, 173-B:4, 173-B:5