Indiana courts would order gun surrender after domestic violence convictions

Courts would issue written orders barring gun ownership or possession and requiring gun and permit surrender. This applies after a conviction for domestic battery or a crime involving force or a threatened deadly weapon against a family or household member. The order would cover every gun and handgun carry permit the person owns or possesses and direct police to seize them. Starting July 1, 2026, police would have 72 hours after receiving the order to seize the guns and permits.

A person could face criminal charges for knowingly failing to make guns or handgun carry permits available for seizure. This covers people convicted of domestic battery or another domestic violence crime whose gun rights have not been restored. It is a defense if the court had not issued the written order before the failure or police did not seize an eligible item in time. A prior unrelated conviction for this same offense would raise the charge from a misdemeanor to a felony. This rule would start July 1, 2026.

Courts would cancel surrender orders when gun rights are restored, and authorities would handle seized guns and permits. This applies to orders, guns, and valid handgun carry permits covered by the proposed surrender process. A seized gun would be returned to its rightful owner or disposed of under state rules. Starting July 1, 2026, any valid seized permit would be made available within 72 hours after gun rights are restored.