North Carolina 2025 Session Status: In Committee Bipartisan · 20 D · 2 I cosponsors

HB 166 — Allow Extreme Risk Protection Orders to Prevent Suicides and Save Lives.

Last action — Passed 1st Reading

  1. ✓
    Introduced
  2. 2
    In Committee
  3. 3
    Passed House
  4. 4
    Passed Senate
  5. 5
    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

This bill is in committee in the House. Introduced February 21, 2025. It must pass committee before a floor vote.

Next likely step: a committee vote, then a floor vote in the House.

Odds of enactment

Low chance

Based on the sponsor, cosponsors, and committee posture, this bill has a low chance of becoming law.

Upgrade to see the exact probability and what's driving it.

A statistical estimate from our own model of past outcomes — an insight, not a guarantee. Policymaking is volatile.

Prognosis

Advancing 42% · moderate confidence

  • In Committee

    Current position in the legislative process.

  • 22 sponsors

    3 primary, 19 co-sponsors signed on.

  • Bipartisan support

    Sponsored across 2 parties (20 D · 2 I) — cross-party backing.

Based on stage, sponsorship breadth, committee status, recorded votes, and cross-state momentum — a description of the observable signals, not a prediction.

Bill Text

What changed in the latest version

34 added · 33 removed

Plain-language change summary

In the latest version of House Bill 166, several changes were made to clarify and streamline the language regarding firearm restrictions, specifically in relation to emergency risk protection orders (ERPOs). The bill now includes clearer guidelines for how confiscated firearms should be handled and outlines the timeline for hearings more precisely. These changes are important because they aim to ensure a fair process for individuals subject to these orders while maintaining public safety.

→
Previous
Latest
GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA H.B.
GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA SESSION 2025 H 1 HOUSE BILL 166 Short Title:
166 Feb 21, 2025 SESSION 2025 HOUSE PRINCIPAL CLERK H D HOUSE BILL DRH10070-ML-19 Short Title:
Representative Morey.
Representatives Morey, Harrison, Price, and Clark (Primary Sponsors).
For a complete list of sponsors, refer to the North Carolina General Assembly web site.
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT TO AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF AN EXTREME RISK PROTECTION ORDER TO RESTRICT TEMPORARILY A PERSON'S ACCESS TO FIREARMS IF THERE IS EVIDENCE THAT THE PERSON POSES A DANGER OF PHYSICAL HARM TO SELF OR OTHERS AND TO REQUIRE A COURT TO ORDER THE SEIZURE OF ANY FIREARM, AMMUNITION, OR PERMITS THAT A DEFENDANT FAILS TO SURRENDER AFTER THE ISSUANCE OF AN EMERGENCY OR EX PARTE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PROTECTIVE ORDER.
Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House February 24, 2025 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT TO AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF AN EXTREME RISK PROTECTION ORDER TO RESTRICT TEMPORARILY A PERSON'S ACCESS TO FIREARMS IF THERE IS EVIDENCE THAT THE PERSON POSES A DANGER OF PHYSICAL HARM TO SELF OR OTHERS AND TO REQUIRE A COURT TO ORDER THE SEIZURE OF ANY FIREARM, AMMUNITION, OR PERMITS THAT A DEFENDANT FAILS TO SURRENDER AFTER THE ISSUANCE OF AN EMERGENCY OR EX PARTE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PROTECTIVE ORDER.
Ordinary fraternization between persons in a business or social context.
Ordinaryfraternization between persons in a business or social context.
*DRH10070-ML-19* General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 3.
*H166-v-1* General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 3.
– Any weapon, including a starter gun, which will or is designed to or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive, or its frame or receiver.
– Any weapon, including a starter gun, which will or is designed to or mayreadilybe converted to expel a projectile bythe action of an explosive, or its frame or receiver.
50B-3 or a lawful order of any court of competent jurisdiction restricting the access or contact of one or more persons with the petitioner, accompanied by a signed statement that the petitioner has good reason to believe that the physical safety of the petitioner or a member of the petitioner's family residing with the petitioner would be jeopardized if the Page 2 DRH10070-ML-19 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 petitioner's address were open to public inspection, that petitioner's address shall be kept confidential.
50B-3 or a lawful order of any court of competent jurisdiction restricting the access or contact of one or more persons with the petitioner, accompanied by a signed statement that the petitioner has good reason to believe that the physical safety of the petitioner or a member of the petitioner's family residing with the petitioner would be jeopardized if the Page 2 House Bill 166-First Edition General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 petitioner's address were open to public inspection, that petitioner's address shall be kept confidential.
Attachments to thesummons shall includethepetitionforany ERPO, any ex parte ERPO that has been issued and the notice of hearing on the ex parte ERPO, and a description of what an ERPO is.
Attachments to thesummons shall includethepetition foranyERPO, any ex parte ERPO that has been issued and the notice of hearing on the ex parte ERPO, and a description of what an ERPO is.
DRH10070-ML-19 Page 3 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 "§ 50E-7.
House Bill 166-First Edition Page 3 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 "§ 50E-7.
Page 4 DRH10070-ML-19 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 (c) Requirements.
Page 4 House Bill 166-First Edition General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 (c) Requirements.
– At the time of surrender or seizure, the sheriff taking possession of a firearmshall issuea receipt identifying all firearmsthat havebeensurrendered orseized andshall provide a copy of the receipt to the respondent.
– At the time of surrender or seizure, the sheriff taking possession of a firearmshall issuea receipt identifyingall firearmsthathavebeen surrenderedorseized andshall provide a copy of the receipt to the respondent.
– If the court does not enter a final ERPO when the ex parte ERPO expires, the respondent may retrieve any firearms, ammunition, or permits surrendered to the sheriff DRH10070-ML-19 Page 5 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 unless the court finds that the respondent is otherwise precluded from owning or possessing a firearm pursuant to State or federal law.
– If the court does not enter a final ERPO when the ex parte ERPO expires, the respondent may retrieve any firearms, ammunition, or permits surrendered to the sheriff House Bill 166-First Edition Page 5 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 unless the court finds that the respondent is otherwise precluded from owning or possessing a firearm pursuant to State or federal law.
If the court does not enter a final ERPO when the ex parte ERPO expires, and the court orders the return of the items to the respondent, the respondent is not required to pay any fees imposed under subsection (d) of this section and the sheriff shall promptly refund to the respondent any fees already paid pursuant to subsection (d) of this section for the storage of any items taken pursuant to the ex parte ERPO.
If the court does not enter a final ERPO when the ex parte ERPO expires, and the court orders the return of the items to the respondent, the respondent is not required to pay any fees imposed under subsection (d) of this section and the sheriff shall promptlyrefund to the respondent anyfees already paid pursuant to subsection (d) of this section for the storage of any items taken pursuant to the ex parte ERPO.
The court may renew an ERPO, including an ERPO that previously has been renewed, upon a motion by the petitioner filed before the expiration of the current ERPO.
The court mayrenew an ERPO, including an ERPO that previously has been renewed, upon a motion by the petitioner filed before the expiration of the current ERPO.
Upon a motion for a renewal, the court shall hold Page 6 DRH10070-ML-19 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 a hearing no later than 10 days after the date the motion is served on the respondent.
Upon a motion for a renewal, the court shall hold Page 6 House Bill 166-First Edition General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 a hearing no later than 10 days after the date the motion is served on the respondent.
The commission of an act of unlawful conduct by the respondent after entry of the current ERPO is not required for an ERPO to be renewed.
The commission of an act of unlawful conduct bythe respondent after entry of the current ERPO is not required for an ERPO to be renewed.
– An ERPO expiring on a day the court is not open for business shall expire in accordance with the provisions of Rule 6(a) of the Rules of Civil Procedure, G.S.
– An ERPO expiring on a daythe court is not open for business shall expire in accordance with the provisions of Rule 6(a) of the Rules of Civil Procedure, G.S.
– Upon receipt of a request for a hearing to terminate a final ERPO, the court shall set a date for a hearing.
– Upon receipt of a request for a hearingto terminate a final ERPO, the court shall set a date for a hearing.
Any order extending, modifying, or revoking an ERPO shall be promptly delivered to the sheriff by the clerk and served in a manner provided for service ofprocess.ThesheriffshallpromptlyentertheERPOintotheNationalCrimeInformationCenter registry and shall provide for access of such orders to the courts on a continuous basis.
Any order extending, modifying, or revoking an ERPO shall be promptlydelivered to the sheriff bythe clerk and served in a manner provided for service ofprocess.ThesheriffshallpromptlyentertheERPOintotheNationalCrimeInformationCenter registry and shall provide for access of such orders to the courts on a continuous basis.
– It is unlawful for any person to possess, purchase, or receive, or attempt to possess, purchase, or receive, afirearm,ammunition, orpermits to purchaseorcarry concealed firearms, for so long as an ERPO entered against that person in accordance with this Chapter is in effect.
– It is unlawful for anyperson to possess, purchase, or receive, or attempt to possess, purchase, or receive, afirearm,ammunition, orpermits to purchaseorcarryconcealed firearms, for so long as an ERPO entered against that person in accordance with this Chapter is in effect.
DRH10070-ML-19 Page 7 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 (b) Violation.
House Bill 166-First Edition Page 7 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 (b) Violation.
The Attorney General shall not be required to track or otherwise maintain records of any mail received on behalf of a program participant unless the mail is certified or registered mail.
The AttorneyGeneral shall not be required to track or otherwise maintain records of any mail received on behalf of a program participant unless the mail is certified or registered mail.
Page 8 DRH10070-ML-19 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 (a) An individual who wants to participate in the Address Confidentiality Program shall file an application with the Attorney General with the assistance of an application assistant.
Page 8 House Bill 166-First Edition General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 (a) An individual who wants to participate in the Address Confidentiality Program shall file an application with the Attorney General with the assistance of an application assistant.
In the event that weapons cannot be surrendered at the time the order is served, the defendant shall surrender the firearms, ammunitions, and permits to the sheriff within DRH10070-ML-19 Page 9 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 24 hours of service at a time and place specified by the sheriff.
In the event that weapons cannot be surrendered at the time the order is served, the defendant shall surrender the firearms, ammunitions, and permits to the sheriff within House Bill 166-First Edition Page 9 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025 24 hours of service at a time and place specified by the sheriff.
The sheriff shall transmit the proceeds of these fees to thecounty financeofficer.Thefees shall beusedbythesheriffto pay the costs of administering this section and for other law enforcement purposes.
The sheriff shall transmit the proceeds of these fees to thecountyfinanceofficer.Thefees shall beusedbythesheriffto paythe costs of administering this section and for other law enforcement purposes.
The sheriff shall not incur any civil or criminal liability for alleged damage or deterioration due to storage or transportation of any firearms or ammunition held pursuant to this section." SECTION 2.(b) Section Effective Date.
The sheriff shall not incur anycivil or criminal liabilityfor alleged damage or deterioration due to storage or transportation of any firearms or ammunition held pursuant to this section." SECTION 2.(b) Section Effective Date.
SECTION 3.
SECTION3.
Page 10 DRH10070-ML-19
Page 10 House Bill 166-First Edition
⬇ Download PDF
View plain text versions (2)

Action History

  1. Passed 1st Reading

  2. Ref To Com On Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House

  3. Filed

Sponsors

Sponsorship breakdown

Export CSV (upgrade) →

3 sponsors · 19 co-sponsors · 157 not signed on

Sponsors (3)

Co-sponsors (19)

Not signed on (157)

157 members have not signed on to this bill.

Show all 157 →

"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.

Whip count is in markup. Polling the chamber and every recorded vote this session. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Calling the roll · Tallying · Engrossing

Subjects

public-safety civil-rights
Cross-referencing the record. Reading this bill against every other bill in the corpus by meaning, not keywords. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Matching · Ranking · Engrossing

Frequently asked questions

Who sponsors HB 166?
HB 166 is sponsored by Phil Rubin (Democratic), Nasif Majeed (U), Tim Longest (Democratic), Carolyn G. Logan (Democratic), Ya Liu (Democratic), Zack Hawkins (Democratic), Julia Greenfield (Democratic), Carla D. Cunningham (U), Maria Cervania (Democratic), Becky Carney (Democratic), Deb Butler (Democratic), Laura Budd (Democratic), Allen Buansi (Democratic), Gloristine Brown (Democratic), Mary Belk (Democratic), Cynthia Ball (Democratic), Tracy Clark (Democratic), Renée A. Price (Democratic), Pricey Harrison (Democratic), Marcia Morey (Democratic), Julie von Haefen (Democratic), and Beth Helfrich (Democratic).
What is the current status of HB 166?
This bill is in committee in the House. Introduced February 21, 2025. It must pass committee before a floor vote.
Where can I track HB 166?
Track HB 166 free on One Click Politics — get push/email alerts when it moves.

Make your voice heard on HB 166

Find the representatives who decide this bill and tell them where you stand — for yourself, or mobilize your whole list in one click with One Click Politics advocacy software.

Find my representatives → Run a campaign

Stay ahead of HB 166

Last checked for changes 3 months ago · updated continuously

One Click Politics tracks every bill in Congress and all 50 states.

Track this bill →