ND HB1457

Amends North Dakota Century Code section 62.1-01-02 to establish procedures for disposing of forfeited, abandoned, or recovered firearms held by law enforcement agencies.

Requires agencies to make best efforts to notify innocent owners of seized firearms and return them within six months if the owner provides proof of ownership and pays return costs limited to shipping and transfer/background check fees.

Mandates agencies dispose of unclaimed firearms by public auction at least annually to persons legally authorized to possess firearms and licensed firearms dealers, with proceeds above administrative costs transferred to the jurisdiction's general fund.

Exempts firearms from auction if no bids are received within six months, the firearm is unsafe due to wear or damage, or if used in a violent crime or fatal shooting and a family member requests destruction.

Applies to all firearms held by agencies on August 1, 2015, requires agencies maintain disposal records for ten years, and provides liability protection to the state and political subdivisions unless gross negligence or recklessness is demonstrated.