The court shall receive and consider evidence in a closed proceeding, including evidence offered by the petitioner, concerning all of the following:

a. The circumstances surrounding the original issuance of the order or judgment that resulted in the firearm disabilities imposed by18 U.S.C. § 922(d)(4) and (g)(4).

b. The petitioner’s record, which shall include, at a minimum, the petitioner’s mental health records and criminal history records, if any.

c. The petitioner’s reputation, developed, at a minimum, through character witness statements, testimony, and other character evidence.

d. Any changes in the petitioner’s condition or circumstances since the issuance of the original order or judgment that are relevant to the relief sought….

The court shall grant a petition for relief … if the court finds by a preponderance of the evidence that the petitioner will not be likely to act in a manner dangerous to the public safety and that the granting of the relief would not be contrary to the public interest…. The petitioner may appeal a denial of the requested relief, and review on appeal shall be de novo [i.e., with no deference paid to the trial court’s denial -EV]. A person may file a petition for relief … not more than once every two years.