Bill > HB1642

This bill establishes a comprehensive legal procedure for issuing extreme risk protection orders (ERPOs) that temporarily restrict an individual's access to firearms when they are deemed to pose an immediate risk of causing bodily injury to themselves or others. The bill allows family members, household members, intimate partners, and law enforcement officers to petition a district court for such an order, which can be issued as a temporary ex parte order or a final order lasting up to 12 months. The petitioner must provide specific factual allegations and evidence demonstrating the respondent's significant risk, and the court will consider various factors in determining whether to issue the order. If granted, the order requires the respondent to surrender all firearms and ammunition to law enforcement and prohibits them from purchasing or possessing such items during the order's duration. The bill includes detailed provisions for serving the order, storing surrendered firearms, potential extensions or termination of the order, and criminal penalties for violations, such as knowingly filing a false petition or possessing firearms while under an ERPO. The legislation also mandates the development of standardized forms, informational materials, and annual reporting requirements, with implementation set to begin in January 2027. The bill specifically excludes cases of domestic abuse or stalking that are already covered by existing protective order statutes.

Justice

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_Status/billinfo.aspx?id=2260&inflect=2