Summary of Bill S 1985

Title

Requires police officers to take temporary custody of firearms when responding to reports of family violence

Status

Signed into law as Chapter 466 on October 16, 2025

Introduction

Bill S 1985 was introduced on January 14, 2025, with the intent to enhance public safety and protect individuals involved in family violence situations by regulating firearm custody during police interventions.

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of Bill S 1985 is to empower police officers to take temporary custody of firearms when they respond to reports of family violence. This measure aims to reduce the risk of further violence and ensure the safety of victims and other individuals present during such incidents.

Key Provisions

• Temporary Custody of Firearms: Police officers are required to take possession of any firearms found at the scene of a family violence incident. This provision is intended to prevent potential harm that could arise from the presence of firearms in volatile situations.
• Criteria for Custody: The bill outlines specific circumstances under which firearms must be taken into custody, focusing on incidents where there is a credible threat to the safety of individuals involved.
• Return of Firearms: The legislation includes guidelines for the return of firearms to their owners once it is deemed safe to do so, ensuring that the rights of lawful gun owners are respected while prioritizing safety.

Affected Parties

• Victims of Family Violence: The bill directly impacts individuals who are victims of family violence by providing them with an additional layer of protection.
• Law Enforcement Agencies: Police departments will need to implement new protocols for handling firearms during family violence calls, which may involve additional training and resources.
• Gun Owners: Individuals who own firearms may experience temporary loss of access to their weapons during investigations, which could affect their rights and responsibilities as gun owners.

Legislative Timeline

• January 14, 2025: Bill introduced and referred to the Codes Committee.
• May 13, 2025: Passed in the Senate and delivered to the Assembly.
• June 11, 2025: Passed in the Assembly and returned to the Senate for final approval.
• October 9, 2025: Delivered to the Governor for signing.
• October 16, 2025: Signed into law as Chapter 466.

Related Legislation

• A 544: Companion bill that addresses similar issues regarding firearm custody in family violence situations.
• S 5026 and S 2102: Prior-session bills that may have laid the groundwork for the current legislation.

Conclusion

Bill S 1985 represents a significant step towards enhancing the safety of individuals affected by family violence by regulating firearm custody during police responses. By empowering law enforcement to temporarily remove firearms from potentially dangerous situations, the bill aims to mitigate risks and protect vulnerable populations.