North Dakota: NIAA Implementation Legislation Awaiting Governor’s Approval

Yesterday, both the state House and Senate adopted the conference committee report for House Bill 1269.  This bill will now go to Governor Jack Dalrymple for his approval. 

Sponsored by state Representative Karen Karls (R-35), HB 1269 would implement requirements set forth in the federal NICS Improvement Amendment Act (NIAA) of 2007.  HB 1269 would grant persons who have lost their firearm rights because of a mental health commitment or adjudication the right to petition to have them restored.

People who have been placed under certain types of mental health-related orders are banned by federal law from possessing firearms.  The NIAA established clear standards for states to use in crafting laws to provide persons subject to these prohibitions a means of relief.  This legislation, under the guidelines established by the NIAA, would allow a court to grant relief from the federal prohibition upon a finding that the petitioner is unlikely to act in a manner dangerous to public safety and that the granting of the relief would not be contrary to the public interest.

Please contact Governor Dalrymple and respectfully urge him to sign HB 1269 into law.  He can be reached by calling (701) 328-2200 or by sending him an e-mail message here.