AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- WEAPONS

HB 5891 prohibits individuals with certain criminal histories from purchasing or possessing firearms. It directly affects people convicted of felonies (including nolo contendere pleas), crimes of violence, fugitives from justice, or specific misdemeanors involving force or weapons (like simple assault, cyberstalking, or violating protective orders). The law expands existing restrictions to include more felony convictions and certain misdemeanor offenses, with exceptions for expunged records or completed probation. This policy change aims to limit firearm access for individuals with prior serious legal violations, effective upon passage.