A lethal order of protection bill is still awaiting a third reading by the House Judiciary-Criminal Committee, where it was originally sent on February 14.
Since its introduction, House Bill 2354 has met with fierce opposition from the National Rifle Association of America Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA), which is urging supporters of the Second Amendment to oppose it.
The bill allows an ex parte order to be issued by a judge upon the request of an individual's family member or law enforcement. It can be based solely on the belief that the individual's ownership, possession or purchase of a firearm makes that individual a danger to themselves or others.
The petition does not require any evidence or input from the owner of the firearm; the judge could issue the restraining order based on unsubstantiated accusations.
"This legislation is ripe for abuse by individuals that disagree with the Second Amendment, and the mere insinuation that gun ownership makes you a danger to yourself or others is offensive and insulting," the NRA-ILA said on its website.
In addition to the restraining order, the legislation would also require the individual to surrender all firearms to law enforcement, as well as an firearm owner's identification cards and concealed carry licenses.
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