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HR 9983

Lori Jackson-Nicolette Elias Domestic Violence Survivor Protection Act

119th Congress Introduced by Bonnie Watson Coleman and 10 co-sponsors

Expands DVPO firearm prohibitions and requires surrender/removal of guns, funded by grants to states/tribes/localities to protect domestic violence survivors.

Introduced in House
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 9983

Overview

  • Bill: HR 9983
  • Session: 119th Congress, 2nd Session
  • Title: Lori Jackson-Nicolette Elias Domestic Violence Survivor Protection Act
  • Purpose: Amend federal law to better protect domestic violence victims by strengthening firearm restrictions on abusers and establishing a grant program to remove guns from adjudicated domestic violence parties.

Main purpose and intent

  • To reduce firearm-enabled domestic violence by preventing gun access for individuals subject to covered domestic violence court orders.
  • To create a national standard that expands who is prohibited from possessing or receiving firearms during the duration of a domestic violence protection order (DVPO) or firearm surrender order.
  • To support implementation through a federal grant program that helps states, tribes, and local governments remove firearms from domestic violence offenders and coordinate with victim services.

Key provisions and changes

  1. Definitions and scope

    • Expands the concept of a “covered domestic violence court order” and broadens who is protected.
    • Adds dating partners and others in similar protective relationships to the group protected by DVPO-related firearm restrictions.
    • Amends several definitions in federal statute to align with the expanded scope (including intimate partner definitions and related protections).

  2. Firearm prohibitions (unlawful sale and possession)

    • Section 922(d)(8) is updated to prohibit sales of firearms to individuals subject to a covered domestic violence court order.
    • Section 922(g)(8) is updated to include individuals subject to a covered domestic violence court order as a person prohibited from possessing or receiving firearms.

  3. Domestic violence court orders and firearm surrender

    • Requires courts to include a firearm surrender order with DVPOs.
    • Firearm surrender orders:
      • Remain in effect for the duration of the DVPO and terminate when the DVPO ends.
      • Require surrender of all firearms and ammunition within 24 hours of service (either to designated law enforcement or to a licensed dealer), or removal by law enforcement within 24 hours.
      • Prohibit the subject from purchasing or possessing firearms during the order.
      • Revoke related permits/licenses to purchase/possess firearms for the duration of the order.
      • Include a court filing within 48 hours confirming surrender/removal and provide itemized receipts.
    • Law enforcement must safely store surrendered firearms and may return them after a background check shows the individual is not federally, state, tribal, or locally prohibited from possession.

  4. Grants program for removal of firearms (Part PP of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act)

    • Establishes a new grant program to fund removal of firearms from adjudicated domestic violence parties.
    • Eligible entities: States, Indian tribes, and units of local government (referred to as “covered entities”).
    • Definitions for the grant program include ammunition, firearms, and domestic violence protection orders.
    • Eligible uses of grant funds:
      • Assist law enforcement and courts in implementing firearm surrender/removal policies.
      • Ensure safety of domestic violence victims post-issue of DVPO, including collaboration with victim service providers (including culturally specific organizations).
    • Application requirements: Covered entities must describe an action plan to partner with victim services as part of the grant.
    • Jurisdictional flexibility: The Attorney General may deem a covered entity’s policies as substantially similar to those required, even if they vary in scope or procedures.

  5. State and tribal policies and procedures

    • Requires the adoption or alignment of policies directing courts to issue firearm surrender orders, prohibit firearm possession, revoke purchase/possession permits, and mandate timely surrender/removal and reporting to the court.
    • Encourages partnerships with local DV programs to support survivor safety.

  6. Technical and conforming amendments

    • Aligns related references in the NICS Improvement Amendments Act of 2007 to reflect the expanded “covered domestic violence court order” definitions.

  7. Funding authorization

    • Authorizes appropriations as necessary to carry out Part PP (the grant program).

Who would be affected

  • Individuals subject to a covered domestic violence court order (broadly defined to include dating partners and others protected by DV laws).
  • Federal firearms dealers and law enforcement agencies involved in surrender/removal processes.
  • States, Indian tribes, and local governments implementing DVPO policies and firearm surrender/removal procedures.
  • Domestic violence survivors, who would benefit from enhanced protection and access to victim-support partnerships.
  • Victim service providers, including culturally specific organizations, participating in grant-funded activities.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction and referral: Bill introduced July 30, 2026, referred to the House Judiciary Committee.
  • Implementation timeline: The bill sets up a grant program and requires courts to incorporate firearm surrender orders for DVPOs; grant funding would support states/tribes/localities to implement these measures.
  • Reporting and compliance: Courts must require declarations and receipts within 48 hours of surrender/removal; law enforcement must store or return firearms following background checks as applicable.
  • Overall effect: Creates a national standard for DVPO-related firearm restrictions and funding to support enforcement and survivor protection.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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