430 ILCS 67/ - Firearms Restraining Order Act.

Copy with citation
Copy as parenthetical citation

(430 ILCS 67/1) Sec. 1. Short title. This Act may be cited as the Firearms Restraining Order Act. (Source: P.A. 100-607, eff. 1-1-19.)

(430 ILCS 67/5) Sec. 5. Definitions. As used in this Act:"Family member of the respondent" means a spouse, parent, child, or step-child of the respondent, any other person related by blood or present marriage to the respondent, or a person who shares a common dwelling with the respondent."Firearms restraining order" means an order issued by the court, prohibiting and enjoining a named person from having in his or her custody or control, purchasing, possessing, or receiving any firearms. "Intimate partner" means a spouse, former spouse, a person with whom the respondent has or allegedly has a child in common, or a person with whom the respondent has or has had a dating or engagement relationship."Petitioner" means:(1) a family member of the respondent as defined in

this Act; or

(2) a law enforcement officer who files a petition

alleging that the respondent poses a danger of causing personal injury to himself, herself, or another by having in his or her custody or control, purchasing, possessing, or receiving a firearm.

"Respondent" means the person alleged in the petition to pose a danger of causing personal injury to himself, herself, or another by having in his or her custody or control, purchasing, possessing, or receiving a firearm. (Source: P.A. 100-607, eff. 1-1-19; 101-81, eff. 7-12-19.)

(430 ILCS 67/10) Sec. 10. Commencement of action; procedure. (a) An action for a firearms restraining order is commenced by filing a verified petition for a firearms restraining order in any circuit court. (b) A petition for a firearms restraining order may be filed in any county where the respondent resides. (c) No fee shall be charged by the clerk for filing, amending, vacating, certifying, or photocopying petitions or orders; or for issuing alias summons; or for any related filing service. No fee shall be charged by the sheriff or other law enforcement for service by the sheriff or other law enforcement of a petition, rule, motion, or order in an action commenced under this Section.(d) The court shall provide, through the office of the clerk of the court, simplified forms and clerical assistance to help with the writing and filing of a petition under this Section by any person not represented by counsel. In addition, that assistance may be provided by the State's Attorney. (Source: P.A. 100-607, eff. 1-1-19; 101-81, eff. 7-12-19.)

(430 ILCS 67/15) Sec. 15. Subject matter jurisdiction. Each of the circuit courts shall have the power to issue firearms restraining orders. (Source: P.A. 100-607, eff. 1-1-19.)

(430 ILCS 67/20) Sec. 20. Jurisdiction over persons. The circuit courts of this State have jurisdiction to bind (1) State residents and (2) non-residents having minimum contacts with this State, to the extent permitted by Section 2-209 of the Code of Civil Procedure. (Source: P.A. 100-607, eff. 1-1-19.)

(430 ILCS 67/25) Sec. 25. Process. The summons shall be in the form prescribed by Supreme Court Rule 101(d), except that it shall require the respondent to answer or appear within 7 days. Attachments to the summons or notice shall include the petition for the firearms restraining order and supporting affidavits, if any, and any emergency firearms restraining order that has been issued. The enforcement of an order under Section 35 shall not be affected by the lack of service, delivery, or notice, provided the requirements of subsection (f) of that Section are otherwise met. (Source: P.A. 100-607, eff. 1-1-19; 101-81, eff. 7-12-19.)

(430 ILCS 67/30) Sec. 30. Service of notice of hearings. Except as provided in Section 25, notice of hearings on petitions or motions shall be served in accordance with Supreme Court Rules 11 and 12, unless notice is excused by Section 35 of this Act, or by the Code of Civil Procedure, Supreme Court Rules, or local rules. (Source: P.A. 100-607, eff. 1-1-19; 101-81, eff. 7-12-19.)

(430 ILCS 67/35) Sec. 35. Ex parte orders and emergency hearings. (a) A petitioner may request an emergency firearms restraining order by filing an affidavit or verified pleading alleging that the respondent poses an immediate and present danger of causing personal injury to himself, herself, or another by having in his or her custody or control, purchasing, possessing, or receiving a firearm. The petition shall also describe the type and location of any firearm or firearms presently believed by the petitioner to be possessed or controlled by the respondent. (b) If the respondent is alleged to pose an immediate and present danger of causing personal injury to an intimate partner, or an intimate partner is alleged to have been the target of a threat or act of violence by the respondent, the petitioner shall make a good faith effort to provide notice to any and all intimate partners of the respondent. The notice must include that the petitioner intends to petition the court for an emergency firearms restraining order, and, if the petitioner is a law enforcement officer, referral to relevant domestic violence or stalking advocacy or counseling resources, if appropriate. The petitioner shall attest to having provided the notice in the filed affidavit or verified pleading. If, after making a good faith effort, the petitioner is unable to provide notice to any or all intimate partners, the affidavit or verified pleading should describe what efforts were made.(c) Every person who files a petition for an emergency firearms restraining order, knowing the information provided to the court at any hearing or in the affidavit or verified pleading to be false, is guilty of perjury under Section 32-2 of the Criminal Code of 2012. (d) An emergency firearms restraining order shall be issued on an ex parte basis, that is, without notice to the respondent. (e) An emergency hearing held on an ex parte basis shall be held the same day that the petition is filed or the next day that the court is in session. (f) If a circuit or associate judge finds probable cause to believe that the respondent poses an immediate and present danger of causing personal injury to himself, herself, or another by having in his or her custody or control, purchasing, possessing, or receiving a firearm, the circuit or associate judge shall issue an emergency order. (f-5) If the court issues an emergency firearms restraining order, it shall, upon a finding of probable cause that the respondent possesses firearms, issue a search warrant directing a law enforcement agency to seize the respondent's firearms. The court may, as part of that warrant, direct the law enforcement agency to search the respondent's residence and other places where the court finds there is probable cause to believe he or she is likely to possess the firearms.(g) An emergency firearms restraining order shall require: (1) the respondent to refrain from having in his or

her custody or control, purchasing, possessing, or receiving additional firearms for the duration of the order; and

(2) the respondent to turn over to the local law

enforcement agency any Firearm Owner's Identification Card and concealed carry license in his or her possession. The local law enforcement agency shall immediately mail the card and concealed carry license to the Department of State Police Firearm Services Bureau for safekeeping. The firearm or firearms and Firearm Owner's Identification Card and concealed carry license, if unexpired, shall be returned to the respondent after the firearms restraining order is terminated or expired.

(h) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (h-5) of this Section, upon expiration of the period of safekeeping, if the firearms or Firearm Owner's Identification Card and concealed carry license cannot be returned to the respondent because the respondent cannot be located, fails to respond to requests to retrieve the firearms, or is not lawfully eligible to possess a firearm, upon petition from the local law enforcement agency, the court may order the local law enforcement agency to destroy the firearms, use the firearms for training purposes, or use the firearms for any other application as deemed appropriate by the local law enforcement agency. (h-5) A respondent whose Firearm Owner's Identification Card has been revoked or suspended may petition the court, if the petitioner is present in court or has notice of the respondent's petition, to transfer the respondent's firearm to a person who is lawfully able to possess the firearm if the person does not reside at the same address as the respondent. Notice of the petition shall be served upon the person protected by the emergency firearms restraining order. While the order is in effect, the transferee who receives the respondent's firearms must swear or affirm by affidavit that he or she shall not transfer the firearm to the respondent or to anyone residing in the same residence as the respondent.(h-6) If a person other than the respondent claims title to any firearms surrendered under this Section, he or she may petition the court, if the petitioner is present in court or has notice of the petition, to have the firearm returned to him or her. If the court determines that person to be the lawful owner of the firearm, the firearm shall be returned to him or her, provided that:(1) the firearm is removed from the respondent's

custody, control, or possession and the lawful owner agrees to store the firearm in a manner such that the respondent does not have access to or control of the firearm; and

(2) the firearm is not otherwise unlawfully possessed

by the owner.

The person petitioning for the return of his or her firearm must swear or affirm by affidavit that he or she: (i) is the lawful owner of the firearm; (ii) shall not transfer the firearm to the respondent; and (iii) will store the firearm in a manner that the respondent does not have access to or control of the firearm. (i) In accordance with subsection (e) of this Section, the court shall schedule a full hearing as soon as possible, but no longer than 14 days from the issuance of an ex parte firearms restraining order, to determine if a 6-month firearms restraining order shall be issued. The court may extend an ex parte order as needed, but not to exceed 14 days, to effectuate service of the order or if necessary to continue protection. The court may extend the order for a greater length of time by mutual agreement of the parties. (Source: P.A. 100-607, eff. 1-1-19; 101-81, eff. 7-12-19.)

(430 ILCS 67/40) Sec. 40. Six-month orders. (a) A petitioner may request a 6-month firearms restraining order by filing an affidavit or verified pleading alleging that the respondent poses a significant danger of causing personal injury to himself, herself, or another in the near future by having in his or her custody or control, purchasing, possessing, or receiving a firearm. The petition shall also describe the number, types, and locations of any firearms presently believed by the petitioner to be possessed or controlled by the respondent. (b) If the respondent is alleged to pose a significant danger of causing personal injury to an intimate partner, or an intimate partner is alleged to have been the target of a threat or act of violence by the respondent, the petitioner shall make a good faith effort to provide notice to any and all intimate partners of the respondent. The notice must include that the petitioner intends to petition the court for a 6-month firearms restraining order, and, if the petitioner is a law enforcement officer, referral to relevant domestic violence or stalking advocacy or counseling resources, if appropriate. The petitioner shall attest to having provided the notice in the filed affidavit or verified pleading. If, after making a good faith effort, the petitioner is unable to provide notice to any or all intimate partners, the affidavit or verified pleading should describe what efforts were made.(c) Every person who files a petition for a 6-month firearms restraining order, knowing the information provided to the court at any hearing or in the affidavit or verified pleading to be false, is guilty of perjury under Section 32-2 of the Criminal Code of 2012. (d) Upon receipt of a petition for a 6-month firearms restraining order, the court shall order a hearing within 30 days. (e) In determining whether to issue a firearms restraining order under this Section, the court shall consider evidence including, but not limited to, the following: (1) The unlawful and reckless use, display, or

brandishing of a firearm by the respondent.

(2) The history of use, attempted use, or threatened

use of physical force by the respondent against another person.

(3) Any prior arrest of the respondent for a felony

offense.

(4) Evidence of the abuse of controlled substances or

alcohol by the respondent.

(5) A recent threat of violence or act of violence

by the respondent directed toward himself, herself, or another.

(6) A violation of an emergency order of protection

issued under Section 217 of the Illinois Domestic Violence Act of 1986 or Section 112A-17 of the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963 or of an order of protection issued under Section 214 of the Illinois Domestic Violence Act of 1986 or Section 112A-14 of the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963.

(7) A pattern of violent acts or violent threats,

including, but not limited to, threats of violence or acts of violence by the respondent directed toward himself, herself, or another.

(f) At the hearing, the petitioner shall have the burden of proving, by clear and convincing evidence, that the respondent poses a significant danger of personal injury to himself, herself, or another by having in his or her custody or control, purchasing, possessing, or receiving a firearm.(g) If the court finds that there is clear and convincing evidence to issue a firearms restraining order, the court shall issue a firearms restraining order that shall be in effect for 6 months subject to renewal under Section 45 of this Act or termination under that Section. (g-5) If the court issues a 6-month firearms restraining order, it shall, upon a finding of probable cause that the respondent possesses firearms, issue a search warrant directing a law enforcement agency to seize the respondent's firearms. The court may, as part of that warrant, direct the law enforcement agency to search the respondent's residence and other places where the court finds there is probable cause to believe he or she is likely to possess the firearms.(h) A 6-month firearms restraining order shall require:(1) the respondent to refrain from having in his or

her custody or control, purchasing, possessing, or receiving additional firearms for the duration of the order; and

(2) the respondent to turn over to the local law

enforcement agency any firearm or Firearm Owner's Identification Card and concealed carry license in his or her possession. The local law enforcement agency shall immediately mail the card and concealed carry license to the Department of State Police Firearm Services Bureau for safekeeping. The firearm or firearms and Firearm Owner's Identification Card and concealed carry license, if unexpired, shall be returned to the respondent after the firearms restraining order is terminated or expired.

(i) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (i-5) of this Section, upon expiration of the period of safekeeping, if the firearms or Firearm Owner's Identification Card cannot be returned to the respondent because the respondent cannot be located, fails to respond to requests to retrieve the firearms, or is not lawfully eligible to possess a firearm, upon petition from the local law enforcement agency, the court may order the local law enforcement agency to destroy the firearms, use the firearms for training purposes, or use the firearms for any other application as deemed appropriate by the local law enforcement agency.(i-5) A respondent whose Firearm Owner's Identification Card has been revoked or suspended may petition the court, if the petitioner is present in court or has notice of the respondent's petition, to transfer the respondent's firearm to a person who is lawfully able to possess the firearm if the person does not reside at the same address as the respondent. Notice of the petition shall be served upon the person protected by the emergency firearms restraining order. While the order is in effect, the transferee who receives the respondent's firearms must swear or affirm by affidavit that he or she shall not transfer the firearm to the respondent or to anyone residing in the same residence as the respondent.(i-6) If a person other than the respondent claims title to any firearms surrendered under this Section, he or she may petition the court, if the petitioner is present in court or has notice of the petition, to have the firearm returned to him or her. If the court determines that person to be the lawful owner of the firearm, the firearm shall be returned to him or her, provided that:(1) the firearm is removed from the respondent's

custody, control, or possession and the lawful owner agrees to store the firearm in a manner such that the respondent does not have access to or control of the firearm; and

(2) the firearm is not otherwise unlawfully possessed

by the owner.

The person petitioning for the return of his or her firearm must swear or affirm by affidavit that he or she: (i) is the lawful owner of the firearm; (ii) shall not transfer the firearm to the respondent; and (iii) will store the firearm in a manner that the respondent does not have access to or control of the firearm. (j) If the court does not issue a firearms restraining order at the hearing, the court shall dissolve any emergency firearms restraining order then in effect.(k) When the court issues a firearms restraining order under this Section, the court shall inform the respondent that he or she is entitled to one hearing during the period of the order to request a termination of the order, under Section 45 of this Act, and shall provide the respondent with a form to request a hearing. (Source: P.A. 100-607, eff. 1-1-19; 101-81, eff. 7-12-19.)

(430 ILCS 67/45) Sec. 45. Termination and renewal. (a) A person subject to a firearms restraining order issued under this Act may submit one written request at any time during the effective period of the order for a hearing to terminate the order.(1) The respondent shall have the burden of proving

by a preponderance of the evidence that the respondent does not pose a danger of causing personal injury to himself, herself, or another in the near future by having in his or her custody or control, purchasing, possessing, or receiving a firearm.

(2) If the court finds after the hearing that the

respondent has met his or her burden, the court shall terminate the order.

(b) A petitioner may request a renewal of a firearms restraining order at any time within the 3 months before the expiration of a firearms restraining order.(1) A court shall, after notice and a hearing, renew

a firearms restraining order issued under this part if the petitioner proves, by clear and convincing evidence, that the respondent continues to pose a danger of causing personal injury to himself, herself, or another in the near future by having in his or her custody or control, purchasing, possessing, or receiving a firearm.

(2) In determining whether to renew a firearms

restraining order issued under this Act, the court shall consider evidence of the facts identified in subsection (e) of Section 40 of this Act and any other evidence of an increased risk for violence.

(3) At the hearing, the petitioner shall have the

burden of proving by clear and convincing evidence that the respondent continues to pose a danger of causing personal injury to himself, herself, or another in the near future by having in his or her custody or control, purchasing, possessing, or receiving a firearm.

(4) The renewal of a firearms restraining order

issued under this Section shall be in effect for 6 months, subject to termination by further order of the court at a hearing held under this Section and further renewal by further order of the court under this Section.

(Source: P.A. 100-607, eff. 1-1-19; 101-81, eff. 7-12-19.)

(430 ILCS 67/50) Sec. 50. Notice of orders. (a) Entry and issuance. Upon issuance of any firearms restraining order, the clerk shall immediately, or on the next court day if an emergency firearms restraining order is issued in accordance with Section 35 of this Act (emergency firearms restraining order): (i) enter the order on the record and file it in accordance with the circuit court procedures and (ii) provide a file stamped copy of the order to the respondent, if present, and to the petitioner. (b) Filing with sheriff. The clerk of the issuing judge shall, or the petitioner may, on the same day that a firearms restraining order is issued, file a certified copy of that order with the sheriff or other law enforcement officials charged with maintaining Department of State Police records or charged with serving the order upon the respondent. If the order was issued in accordance with Section 35 of this Act (emergency firearms restraining order), the clerk shall, on the next court day, file a certified copy of the order with the sheriff or other law enforcement officials charged with maintaining Department of State Police records. (c) Service by sheriff. Unless the respondent was present in court when the order was issued, the sheriff or other law enforcement official shall promptly serve that order upon the respondent and file proof of the service, in the manner provided for service of process in civil proceedings. Instead of serving the order upon the respondent, however, the sheriff, other law enforcement official, or other persons defined in Section 112A-22.10 of the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963 may serve the respondent with a short form notification as provided in that Section. If process has not yet been served upon the respondent, it shall be served with the order or short form notification if the service is made by the sheriff, or other law enforcement official.(d) Any order renewing or terminating any firearms restraining order shall be promptly recorded, issued, and served as provided in this Section. (Source: P.A. 100-607, eff. 1-1-19; 101-81, eff. 7-12-19.)

(430 ILCS 67/55) Sec. 55. Data maintenance by law enforcement agencies. (a) All sheriffs shall furnish to the Department of State Police, daily, in the form and detail the Department requires, copies of any recorded firearms restraining orders issued by the court, and any foreign orders of protection filed by the clerk of the court, and transmitted to the sheriff by the clerk of the court under Section 50. Each firearms restraining order shall be entered in the Law Enforcement Agencies Data System (LEADS) on the same day it is issued by the court. If an emergency firearms restraining order was issued in accordance with Section 35 of this Act, the order shall be entered in the Law Enforcement Agencies Data System (LEADS) as soon as possible after receipt from the clerk.(b) The Department of State Police shall maintain a complete and systematic record and index of all valid and recorded firearms restraining orders issued or filed under this Act. The data shall be used to inform all dispatchers and law enforcement officers at the scene of a violation of a firearms restraining order of the effective dates and terms of any recorded order of protection. (c) The data, records, and transmittals required under this Section shall pertain to any valid emergency or 6-month firearms restraining order, whether issued in a civil or criminal proceeding or authorized under the laws of another state, tribe, or United States territory. (Source: P.A. 100-607, eff. 1-1-19; 101-81, eff. 7-12-19.)

(430 ILCS 67/60) Sec. 60. Filing of a firearms restraining order issued by another state. (a) A person who has sought a firearms restraining order or similar order issued by the court of another state, tribe, or United States territory may file a certified copy of the firearms restraining order with the clerk of the court in a judicial circuit in which the person believes that enforcement may be necessary. (b) The clerk shall: (1) treat the foreign firearms restraining order in

the same manner as a judgment of the circuit court for any county of this State in accordance with the provisions of the Uniform Enforcement of Foreign Judgments Act, except that the clerk shall not mail notice of the filing of the foreign order to the respondent named in the order; and

(2) on the same day that a foreign firearms

restraining order is filed, file a certified copy of that order with the sheriff or other law enforcement officials charged with maintaining Department of State Police records as set forth in Section 55 of this Act.

(c) Neither residence in this State nor filing of a foreign firearms restraining order shall be required for enforcement of the order by this State. Failure to file the foreign order shall not be an impediment to its treatment in all respects as an Illinois firearms restraining order.(d) The clerk shall not charge a fee to file a foreign order of protection under this Section. (Source: P.A. 100-607, eff. 1-1-19.)

(430 ILCS 67/65) Sec. 65. Enforcement; sanctions for violation of order. A respondent who knowingly violates a firearms restraining order is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor. Prosecution for a violation of a firearms restraining order shall not bar concurrent prosecution for any other crime, including any crime that may have been committed at the time of the violation of the firearms restraining order. (Source: P.A. 100-607, eff. 1-1-19.)

(430 ILCS 67/70) Sec. 70. Non-preclusion of remedies. Nothing in this Act shall preclude a petitioner or law enforcement officer from removing weapons under other authority or filing criminal charges when probable cause exists. (Source: P.A. 100-607, eff. 1-1-19; 101-81, eff. 7-12-19.)

(430 ILCS 67/75) Sec. 75. Limited law enforcement liability. Any act of omission or commission by any law enforcement officer acting in good faith in rendering emergency assistance or otherwise enforcing this Act shall not impose civil liability upon the law enforcement officer or his or her supervisor or employer, unless the act is a result of willful or wanton misconduct. (Source: P.A. 100-607, eff. 1-1-19.)

(430 ILCS 67/80) Sec. 80. Expungement or sealing of order. If the court denies issuance of a firearms restraining order against the respondent, all records of the proceeding shall be immediately expunged from the court records. If the firearms restraining order is granted, all records of the proceeding shall, 3 years after the expiration of the order, be sealed. (Source: P.A. 100-607, eff. 1-1-19.)

(430 ILCS 67/135) Sec. 135. (Amendatory provisions; text omitted). (Source: P.A. 100-607, eff. 1-1-19; text omitted.)

(430 ILCS 67/140) Sec. 140. (Amendatory provisions; text omitted). (Source: P.A. 100-607, eff. 1-1-19; text omitted.)