SB 1626 Summary

• Establishes severe threat orders of protection in Arizona that prohibit respondents from owning, purchasing, possessing, or receiving firearms or ammunition when they pose danger to self or others.

• Allows petitioners (law enforcement, family/household members, school administrators/teachers, or licensed behavioral health professionals) to request ex parte orders without notice to respondent, issued same day or next business day if immediate danger is found.

• Requires hearing within 14 days of ex parte order issuance to determine if one-year severe threat order of protection should be issued based on preponderance of evidence standard.

• Mandates respondents relinquish all firearms and ammunition to local law enforcement within 24 hours of service; law enforcement may charge reasonable storage fees and must return firearms after order expires if respondent is legally eligible.

• Requires courts to notify Department of Public Safety within one court day of issuing, renewing, dissolving, or terminating orders so information is transmitted to National Instant Criminal Background Check System.