CS/HB 951 Summary

• Changes automatic deletion of mental health records from the Department of Law Enforcement's firearm prohibition database to a court petition process, allowing individuals adjudicated mentally defective or committed to mental institutions to seek judicial relief from firearm disabilities.

• Requires court orders granting relief from firearm disabilities to trigger removal of the individual's mental health record from the department's database.

• Mandates clerks of court submit mental health adjudication and commitment records to the department in automated format within 1 month.

• Authorizes agencies to request fingerprint retention for background screening purposes, requires notification to persons whose fingerprints are retained, and establishes procedures for agencies to report changes in employment status to avoid unnecessary retention fees.

• Requires law enforcement agencies to demonstrate proficiency in firearms, establishes maintenance rules for officers in high-risk specialty areas, removes basic skills examination requirement for correctional probation officers, and eliminates Monroe County crime laboratory's state funding eligibility.