HB 2365 - Severe Threat Order of Protection

• Creates a new civil "severe threat order of protection" that prohibits firearm possession for individuals who make credible threats of death or serious physical injury, commit acts of violence, or engage in animal cruelty.

• Allows petitioners (family members, household members, significant others, probation officers, behavioral health professionals, or peace officers) to file verified petitions in superior or municipal court requesting the order.

• Establishes two-step process: court may issue ex parte temporary order within 14 days (lasting 14 days), followed by hearing where clear and convincing evidence standard applies for issuing a one-year severe threat order of protection.

• Requires respondents subject to the order to surrender all firearms to law enforcement within 24 hours; allows transfers to approved "responsible custodians" and permits one hearing within 90 days to challenge the order.

• Establishes violations as class 4 felonies; makes false statements in petitions a class 5 felony; transfers cases involving minor respondents to juvenile court; and adds severe threat order subjects to "prohibited possessor" definition in firearm statutes.