Judiciary Committee approves bill making firearm surrender mandatory at temporary protective order stage after heated debate

The Judiciary Committee on Tuesday approved House Bill 83, the Family and Law Enforcement Protection Act, after extended debate over whether the measure would protect victims or risk being weaponized against them. The committee recorded a 13–4 vote in favor of the bill.

The measure — as explained to the panel — makes firearm surrender mandatory at the temporary protective order stage, a change staff described as shifting a prior discretionary standard to a required one for certain cases. "The biggest change would be the mandatory nature of the surrender," Lauren (staff member) told the committee, adding the amendment also made technical and clarifying edits.

Supporters, including the bill's sponsor and the chair, said the change is intended to save lives at a high‑risk moment. "The intent of the bill is to save lives and to protect people at an important stage, when they are sometimes brave enough to finally file a protective order," the chair said during debate, and later noted a local incident involving multiple fatalities when protective‑order processes failed to prevent violence.

Opponents pressed a different set of concerns. "I have some real serious reservations about how this could be potentially used," Delegate Eric Hahn said, arguing the mandatory surrender could be "weaponized" by abusers and might create a predictable window when victims would be unarmed. Hahn warned this could disproportionately affect people who rely on arms for personal safety and said he would oppose the measure despite its intent to reduce harm.

Staff described who may petition for relief and the relevant timing rules. "Person eligible for relief includes the current or former spouse of the respondent, a cohabitant of the respondent, a person related to the respondent by blood, marriage, or adoption, a parent, a step parent, child, or step child of the respondent or the person eligible for relief who resides or resided with the respondent for at least 90 days within 1 year before the filing of the petition," Lauren said, and she added that certain alleged acts must have occurred within six months of the petition in some parts of the bill. Counsel clarified that petitioners may allege wrongdoing without a conviction; the court must still be convinced by the evidence presented.

Members also sought data on how often temporary orders do not become final and pressed for clarity about ex parte processes. "All of this is based on ex parte testimony," Delegate Valentine said, noting that a significant share of temporary orders do not become final and expressing concern about removing firearms without both sides being heard.

After debate and the adoption of a clarifying amendment, the committee voted to advance the bill. The clerk announced the final tally as 13 4 0 1 1; the motion carried.

The committee then moved on to other business and adjourned.