CCDL members have pointed out since the governor introduced this bill, it is nothing but a back door method to force the surrender of firearms with no opportunity for a respondent of such an order to be heard prior to any surrender of legal property. The bill would eliminate the standard protection of ‘Due Process’ as affirmed under the 5th and 14th Amendments of the U.S. Constitution.

We feel it is important for the public to understand that individuals who may be served with an order of this type do not even have to be charged with any crime, let alone convicted of wrong-doing. It’s very unfortunate that proponents of this bill that hold office and have sworn to uphold our constitution are working hand in hand with groups that are specifically misleading the public. These groups are essentially claiming those who get served with one of these orders are factual domestic abusers based on one-sided claims. Also, there are already at least two existing laws that work better to protect people who may be at risk of harm.

It seems any time a gun enters the equation, it becomes acceptable to violate constitutionally protected rights. Without proof someone is a danger to others or themselves, a hearing should be in order. We do not get why that is so difficult a concept for many lawmakers.