Bill > H1515

This bill aims to enhance the powers of law enforcement officers during domestic violence situations. The key provisions are: 1. Law enforcement officers who have probable cause to believe an act of domestic violence has been committed can question persons present to determine if there are any weapons on the premises, and seize any weapons that could expose the victim to serious bodily injury. 2. The seized weapons, including any firearm purchaser identification cards or permits, are to be delivered to the District Attorney's office, which will retain them until the domestic abuse charges are dropped or settled in court. 3. The owner of the seized weapons can petition the District Attorney's office for their return, and the District Attorney's office has 45 days to either return the weapons or file a petition with the court justifying why they should not be returned. 4. The court can order the disposal of the seized weapons, the revocation of the owner's firearm-related permits and licenses, or other appropriate relief, if it determines the weapons should not be returned to the owner. 5. The bill also provides legal protections for law enforcement officers, prosecutors, and agencies from civil liability for failing to learn of, locate, or seize a weapon, or for returning a seized weapon to its owner.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/H1515