Photo: lolostock / iStock / Getty Images
Pembroke Pines, FL - Florida legislators are advancing new measures designed to tighten enforcement of firearm surrender requirements in domestic violence cases.
The proposal aims to ensure that court orders restricting access to weapons are consistently followed across all law enforcement agencies in the state.
State Rep. Robin Bartleman detailed House Bill 729 during a news conference in Pembroke Pines.
Filed on December 10th, the bill would require every local law enforcement agency to adopt standardized procedures for retrieving firearms when a judge issues a protective injunction or order involving domestic violence.
Bartleman said current practices vary widely between agencies, and in some jurisdictions, officers may only request that an individual voluntarily hand over firearms without confirming compliance.
Under the bill, agencies would be responsible for developing clear follow-up protocols to verify that weapons are removed when ordered by a court.
Bartleman explained that the legislation is intended to close gaps in the existing system and provide additional safeguards for individuals seeking protection.
The bill also includes changes to criminal penalties for repeat violations of domestic violence injunctions or foreign protection orders.
Lawmakers supporting the proposal say the adjustments are intended to create stronger deterrents and ensure that protective orders carry enforceable consequences.
Family members of individuals affected by domestic violence attended the announcement and expressed support for the measure.
Bartleman said the legislation is focused on creating a more uniform and accountable process statewide.
A companion proposal, Senate Bill 858, was filed by Sen. Tina Scott Polsky on the same day to advance the same set of reforms in the Florida Senate.