Bill > HB83

This bill, titled the Family and Law Enforcement Protection Act, aims to strengthen protections for individuals experiencing domestic violence by enhancing the procedures for surrendering firearms. Specifically, it mandates that if a respondent is ordered to surrender any firearms, handgun qualification licenses, or permits to carry a handgun, they must do so to the law enforcement agency that served the order within 24 hours of being served. If the respondent does not possess firearms, they must submit a sworn affidavit to that effect within two business days. Furthermore, the law enforcement agency that served the order is required to verify compliance within three business days and, if the respondent is not in compliance, must notify the State's Attorney's office and take steps to locate and remove any firearms, potentially including obtaining a search warrant. The bill also clarifies the process for respondents to retrieve surrendered firearms after a protective order expires, unless they are legally prohibited from possessing them or the order is extended.