NH SB555

Establishes critical risk protection orders allowing family members, household members, intimate partners, or law enforcement officers to petition circuit court to temporarily restrict firearm access for individuals posing immediate risk of harm to themselves or others

Temporary ex parte orders can be issued by preponderance of evidence, with hearings held within 7 days of filing; final orders require clear and convincing evidence and last up to 12 months with possible extensions

Respondents must surrender all firearms, ammunition, and concealed carry licenses to law enforcement upon order issuance; courts may issue search warrants if firearms are not relinquished

Filing false petitions or petitions intended to harass constitutes a class A misdemeanor; violating an order by possessing firearms is a class B felony

Estimated fiscal impact of $500,000 to $1,000,000 annually in general fund expenditures beginning FY 2027 for judicial branch administration, with effective date of January 1, 2027