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State Police and Courts Warn of Legal and Practical Problems with Proposed 24‑Hour Return of Firearms Bill
Summary
A House bill that would require courts to order return of seized firearms within 24 hours after an acquittal or dismissal drew questions from state police and judges about federal transfer law, multi‑state record checks and a workable timeline. Committee members signaled a preference for clearer timelines and notification requirements.
Representative Mark Pru introduced HB 1203, a proposal to require that firearms seized by law enforcement be returned within 24 hours if criminal charges are dismissed or the defendant is found not guilty. He said the bill seeks to ensure property is returned promptly after a court’s disposition.
The State Police’s captain in charge of the Gun Line, Victor Muzzy, told the Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee that the department had no formal position but urged caution. He warned a hard 24‑hour deadline could conflict with federal transfer rules and put officers or departments at legal risk…
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