The bill amends the Family Violence Protection Act to enhance the requirements surrounding firearms in the context of domestic violence orders of protection. It mandates that all orders of protection require the restrained party to immediately relinquish any firearms in their possession upon service of the order. Additionally, the bill stipulates that the restrained party must refrain from purchasing, receiving, or possessing firearms while the order is in effect. Courts are also granted the authority to specify alternative times or methods for the relinquishment of firearms, ensuring that the process is both immediate and flexible.

Further amendments include provisions for law enforcement agencies regarding the handling of relinquished firearms, including the preparation of receipts and the requirement to notify the court and the petitioner within specified timeframes. The bill clarifies that evidence of firearm ownership created during this process is not admissible in criminal proceedings and outlines the procedures for the return or disposal of firearms once an order of protection expires. Overall, these changes aim to strengthen the protections for victims of domestic violence by ensuring that firearms do not remain in the possession of individuals who pose a threat.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 40-13-5, 40-13-13