NC H483

Pistol permit applicants must sign a release form authorizing sheriffs to obtain court orders concerning the applicant's mental health or mental capacity for determining permit eligibility.

Sheriffs may request disclosure of mental health and capacity court orders from record holders without requiring additional documentation from applicants beyond the application, $5 fee, government ID, and proof of residency.

Record holders of mental health orders must release all relevant court orders to sheriffs upon written notification that an individual has applied for a pistol purchase permit.

Creates a new Class A1 misdemeanor crime of domestic violence for using or threatening physical force against current or former spouses, parents, guardians, co-parents, cohabitants, or similarly situated individuals.

Section 1 becomes effective August 1, 2021 for pending or submitted pistol permit applications; Section 2 becomes effective December 1, 2021 for offenses committed on or after that date.