Lori Jackson-Nicolette Elias Domestic Violence Survivor Protection Act

This bill aims to enhance the protection of domestic violence victims by closing existing loopholes in federal law that permit abusers to possess firearms. It expands the definition of an "intimate partner" to include dating partners, former dating partners, and other individuals protected by state, local, or tribal domestic or family violence laws. This change ensures that a broader range of abusive relationships are covered under federal firearm prohibitions.

The legislation also broadens the scope of a "covered domestic violence court order," which now includes certain ex parte orders, provided they meet due process requirements for notice and opportunity to be heard. These orders must restrain harassment, stalking, or threats, or prohibit the use of physical force, or find a credible threat to physical safety. Consequently, individuals subject to these expanded domestic violence court orders are explicitly prohibited from purchasing, possessing, or receiving firearms.

To facilitate the enforcement of these prohibitions, the bill establishes a new grant program for states, Indian tribes, and local governments. These grants will assist eligible entities in developing and implementing policies, procedures, and protocols for the safe and timely removal of firearms and ammunition from individuals subject to domestic violence protection orders. Funds can also be used to support law enforcement agencies in firearm storage and to partner with domestic violence victim service providers.

Eligible policies for grant funding require courts to issue "firearm surrender orders" concurrently with domestic violence protection orders. These orders mandate that individuals surrender all firearms and ammunition within 24 hours to law enforcement or a licensed dealer, or that law enforcement remove them. The policies also require a declaration of compliance, revocation of firearm permits, and safe storage of surrendered firearms, with a process for their return only after the protection order expires and a background check confirms eligibility.