Relating to requiring a person convicted of an offense involving family violence or a felony or a person who is the subject of a protective order to surrender firearms owned by the person.
The introduction of HB 1713 is designed to bolster public safety by removing access to firearms from those most likely to pose a risk to themselves or others. By mandating that individuals in such circumstances surrender their firearms, the bill aligns with broader efforts to mitigate domestic violence and prevent potential incidents involving firearms. Its provisions aim to create a more structured and legally binding procedure for ensuring compliance with firearm possession restrictions, which could influence the rates of gun-related violence associated with domestic situations.
House Bill 1713 aims to mandate the surrender of firearms by individuals convicted of offenses related to family violence or felonies, as well as those under protective orders. The bill introduces a new chapter in the Code of Criminal Procedure specifically addressing the requirement for individuals to surrender any firearms they own. This law enhances the legal framework around firearm possession restrictions, particularly concerning individuals deemed at risk due to previous convictions or court orders for family violence. The bill stipulates a clear procedure for surrendering firearms, including deadlines and methods of surrender.
However, the bill has faced criticism from various angles. Opponents argue that it could disproportionately affect individuals based on past offenses that may not necessarily indicate current risk. Furthermore, concerns have been raised regarding the administrative burden this law may place on courts and law enforcement agencies in managing the surrender process and maintaining compliance. The balance between enhancing public safety and ensuring the rights of individuals previously convicted remains a point of contention in the legislative discussions surrounding this bill.