Concealed firearm; clarify prohibition for those declared mentally incompetent by courts.
Impact
The implementation of HB807 will modify existing laws pertaining to the issuance, denial, suspension, or revocation of licenses to carry stun guns, concealed pistols, or revolvers based on mental health status. This legislation emphasizes not only the responsibility to report mental health adjudications but also highlights the DPS’s role in maintaining a database that confidentially tracks individuals impacted by such court decisions. Furthermore, the records pertaining to these notifications are exempt from public disclosure, which aims to protect the privacy of individuals involved but may raise questions about accountability and transparency in the process.
Summary
House Bill 807 addresses the protocols for notifying the Department of Public Safety (DPS) regarding individuals adjudicated as mentally incompetent or voluntarily committed to mental health facilities. Under this bill, clerks of court must inform the DPS when a court orders such commitments. Additionally, should an individual voluntarily commit themselves, this information must also be communicated to the DPS. The intent behind the bill is to ensure that individuals who are mentally ill and deemed incompetent do not possess licenses for carrying weapons, including stun guns or firearms.
Contention
Notable points of contention regarding HB807 include concerns surrounding the potential stigmatization of individuals with mental health issues and the implications of removing their rights to carry firearms. Advocates for mental health support fear that the bill might create barriers for seeking help and could lead to discrimination against those who have been committed or adjudicated as incompetent. Opponents argue that protecting public safety necessitates such measures, particularly in preventing individuals deemed mentally incompetent from carrying firearms.