Bill > H583

This bill provides comprehensive guidelines for law enforcement agencies in North Carolina regarding the disposition of firearms, addressing several key scenarios including firearms seized as evidence, unclaimed firearms, and those obtained through buy-back programs. The legislation allows law enforcement agencies to destroy firearms under specific conditions, such as when they are no longer needed as evidence or remain unclaimed after a specified period. The bill modifies existing statutes to provide more flexibility in handling firearms, removing previous restrictions that prevented destruction and requiring agencies to maintain detailed records of firearm dispositions. For firearms seized as evidence, the district attorney can now return weapons to defendants who are eligible to possess them or apply to the court for disposition, which may include returning the firearm to its rightful owner, returning it to the defendant, or ordering its destruction by a law enforcement agency. The bill also introduces new requirements for firearm buy-back programs, mandating that agencies check serial numbers against stolen firearm records, attempt to arrest individuals involved with stolen firearms, and follow specific protocols for retaining potential evidence. Additionally, the bill removes previous provisions allowing law enforcement agencies to sell firearms, focusing instead on destruction or official agency use. The legislation becomes effective on July 1, 2025, and applies to firearms seized or received by law enforcement on or after that date.

Government Affairs

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/H583