SB 1777 Summary

• Establishes a "severe threat order of protection" process allowing law enforcement officers, family members, school administrators, teachers, and licensed behavioral health professionals to petition courts to restrict firearm and ammunition possession by individuals deemed dangerous to themselves or others.

• Creates two types of orders: an ex parte severe threat order of protection (issued without notice to respondent, lasting until court hearing within 14 days) and a one-year severe threat order of protection (issued after hearing with preponderance of evidence standard).

• Requires respondents to relinquish all firearms and ammunition to local law enforcement within 24 hours of service; law enforcement may charge reasonable storage fees and must issue receipts and notify courts within 72 hours.

• Allows respondents to request one hearing to terminate the one-year order by proving they no longer pose significant danger; permits petitioners to renew orders within 3 months of expiration.

• Directs courts to report all severe threat orders to the Department of Public Safety within one court day for transmission to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System.