Bill > AB1296

This bill amends existing California law concerning firearm restrictions for individuals with mental health issues, primarily by extending the duration of these restrictions and clarifying reporting procedures. Specifically, it increases the firearm prohibition period for individuals who communicate a serious threat of violence to a psychotherapist from six months to five years, and for those involuntarily admitted to a mental health facility due to being a danger to themselves or others, it extends the prohibition from five years to 10 years. The bill also mandates that certain reports and notifications to the Department of Justice (DOJ) regarding these prohibitions be submitted electronically and within 24 hours, referred to as "immediately," and clarifies the burden of proof in court hearings where individuals petition to regain firearm rights, placing it on the state to demonstrate they are likely to use firearms unsafely. Additionally, it updates language regarding the types of mental health adjudications and commitments that trigger firearm prohibitions and streamlines the process for the State Department of State Hospitals to provide necessary records to the DOJ in an electronic format within 24 hours of a request.