Bill > HB655

This bill creates a new legal mechanism called an Extreme Risk Protective Order (ERPO) in Texas, which allows family members, guardians, or law enforcement to seek a court order temporarily removing firearms from individuals who are deemed to pose an immediate danger to themselves or others. The bill establishes a comprehensive process for obtaining such an order, which includes filing an application with detailed allegations about the person's dangerous behavior, requiring a court hearing within 14 days, and mandating that the individual relinquish firearms within 24 hours of the order's issuance. The protective order can last up to one year and can be renewed, and it requires the Department of Public Safety to record the order and notify relevant agencies. The bill also creates criminal penalties for individuals who make false reports about requesting an ERPO and for those who purchase or possess firearms while under an ERPO. Additionally, the bill modifies existing laws related to handgun licensing, ensuring that individuals subject to an ERPO are not eligible to carry a handgun and must surrender their carry license. The goal of this legislation is to provide a legal tool to temporarily prevent potential gun violence by removing firearms from individuals who may pose a significant risk to themselves or others.

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https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB655