HB 769 Summary

• Prohibits persons convicted of misdemeanor hate crimes (crimes required to be reported under s. 877.19) from purchasing firearms by adding this conviction as a disqualifying factor in firearm background checks.

• Requires the Department of Law Enforcement to compile and maintain an automated database of persons prohibited from purchasing firearms due to mental health adjudications or commitments, with specific procedures for submitting records within 1 month (or 24 hours for certain voluntary admissions).

• Allows persons adjudicated mentally defective or committed to mental institutions to petition courts for relief from firearm disabilities if they demonstrate they will not be likely to act dangerously to public safety; denials require 1-year waiting period before reapplication.

• Requires persons receiving voluntary admission following an involuntary examination to be given written notice that they may be prohibited from purchasing or possessing firearms and may not be eligible for concealed weapons licenses.

• Conforms cross-references throughout statutes (ss. 493.6108, 790.06, and 943.0583) to align with the renumbering of firearm prohibition criteria.

• Takes effect October 1, 2019.