Bill > S2360

This bill requires that before certain mental health records of individuals seeking to have a disability barring them from acquiring firearms expunged (removed from official records) can be cleared, local law enforcement must be notified. Specifically, if someone is petitioning to have a mental health commitment or determination that made them ineligible to purchase or possess a firearm expunged, they must now serve a copy of the court order for the hearing to the Attorney General, the county prosecutor, and the local police chief (or State Police if no local force exists) in their area of residence and where they were committed. This is in addition to existing requirements to notify the county adjuster and the medical director of the institution. The bill also clarifies that mental health records can be disclosed for the purpose of reviewing these firearm-related expungement applications, but only for that specific purpose and not to third parties or for other uses. This change aims to ensure law enforcement is aware of individuals seeking to have mental health-related firearm restrictions lifted, referencing federal laws like the NICS Improvement Amendments Act of 2007 and the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act of 1993, which establish procedures for firearm background checks and address mental health prohibitors.