The proposed bill, SB 555-FN, establishes a legal framework for issuing critical risk protection orders to prevent individuals who pose an immediate risk of harm to themselves or others from accessing firearms and ammunition. It allows family members and law enforcement to petition the court for temporary orders, which can be issued with or without notice to the respondent based on evidence of immediate risk. Key insertions in the bill include the requirement for proof of firearm surrender, which can be provided through a verbal attestation or sworn affidavit, and the court's authority to issue temporary orders via telephone or facsimile. The bill also mandates that law enforcement take possession of firearms upon issuance of an order and outlines the process for returning firearms if the order is vacated or expires.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions for the development of standard forms and informational materials to assist petitioners and respondents, which must be made available electronically by January 1, 2027, and translated into languages for significant non-English-speaking populations. It emphasizes the importance of public safety while excluding cases of domestic abuse or stalking that fall under existing laws. The bill deletes previous provisions that allowed for less stringent requirements regarding firearm surrender and protective orders. The effective date for the new legal provisions is set for September 20, 2026, with remaining provisions taking effect on January 1, 2027. The bill does not allocate funding for its implementation, but it is expected to incur significant costs for the Judicial Branch, estimated to exceed $500,000 starting in FY 2027.