HB 483 – Pistol Permit/Mental Health Record to Sheriff

Primary House Sponsors: Rep. Dudley Greene (R-Avery, McDowell, Mitchell); Rep. Allen McNeil (R-Moore, Randolph); Rep. Carson Smith (R-Columbus, Pender); Rep. Charles Miller (R-Brunswick, New Hanover)

Summary

This bill removes the requirement for a signed release authorizing and requiring disclosure to the sheriff of any court orders concerning the mental health or capacity of the applicant to be used in determining whether the applicant is disqualified to receive a permit to be included within an application for a pistol purchase permit.

This bill requires the sheriff to request disclosure of any court order concerning the mental health or mental capacity of the applicant to be used in determining whether the applicant is disqualified and also requires the applicant to provide a statement of acknowledgement granting the sheriff authority to obtain all criminal and mental health order required by state and federal law to determine permit eligibility.

This bill also removes language providing accessibility of the record of involuntary commitment for inpatient or outpatient mental health treatment or substance abuse treatment required to be reported to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System and instead requires the release of all mental health orders that concern the mental health and mental capacity of an applicant to a sheriff if a sheriff notifies the potential holder of a n order in writing that the applicant has complete an application.

Movement

Filed – 4/1/2021