HB 257 Summary: Extreme Risk Protection Order Act

• Creates a new "Extreme Risk Protection Order Act" allowing family members, household members, and law enforcement to petition courts for orders temporarily restricting a person's firearm access if they pose danger to themselves or others.

• Establishes two types of orders: ex parte extreme risk protection orders (issued immediately without notice) and final extreme risk protection orders (issued after a hearing), each lasting up to 180 days and renewable.

• Requires respondents to surrender all firearms and concealed carry licenses to law enforcement; courts must enter orders into statewide judicial information systems and national background check systems.

• Permits respondents to request termination of orders every 180 days by proving they no longer pose significant danger; imposes criminal penalties for false petitions (felony of fifth degree) and for violating orders by possessing firearms (misdemeanor or felony depending on prior convictions).

• Establishes legal immunity for persons reporting or declining to report dangerous individuals, and requires law enforcement agencies to develop firearm storage and return policies within six months of enactment.