Bill > SB2517

This bill amends existing law to increase the penalty for violating a judicial protective order or restraining order by possessing, controlling, or transferring a firearm or ammunition. Previously, such a violation was a misdemeanor, but this bill reclassifies it as a class C felony, which is a more serious crime. The bill clarifies that if a person violates the order *solely* by refusing to surrender a firearm or disclose its location, they will still be guilty of a misdemeanor, but any other violation of the firearm prohibition under a protective order will be a class C felony. The legislature's reasoning is that an active protective order indicates an increased risk of lethality, making violations involving firearms a serious threat to public safety. This change is set to take effect on July 1, 3000.