State Rep. Nancy Gutierrez authored new legislation in the Arizona House that seeks to establish a legal framework for severe threat orders of protection to enhance public safety, according to the Arizona State House.
The bill, introduced as HB2211 on Jan. 15, during the first regular session of the 57th Legislature, was formally listed with the short title: ‘severe threat order of protection’.
The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.
In essence, this bill proposes the establishment of a legal framework for severe threat orders of protection in Arizona, designed to restrict firearm possession for individuals deemed a danger to themselves or others. It allows a petitioner— a family or household member, significant other, probation officer, behavioral health professional, or peace officer— to request either an ex parte temporary or a full severe threat order of protection through the courts. Upon issuance, these orders mandate the surrender of firearms to law enforcement and registration in national crime databases. Respondents can challenge the order via a court hearing; if unsuccessful, the order remains effective for one year. Violation of these orders is classified as a class 4 felony. If the respondent is a minor, proceedings are transferred to juvenile court, and parents must secure firearms at home. Additionally, false swearing to obtain these orders is penalized as a felony. The bill emphasizes both the procedural and punitive measures to ensure compliance and public safety.
The bill was co-sponsored by Cesar Aguilar (Democrat-26th District), Lorena Austin (Democrat-9th District), and Junelle Cavero (Democrat-11th District), along with six other sponsors.
Gutierrez graduated from Northern Arizona University in 1994 with a BS.
Nancy Gutierrez is currently serving in the Arizona State House, representing the state’s 18th House District. She replaced previous state representative Jennifer Jermaine in 2023.
In Arizona, the legislative process begins when a bill is introduced in either the House of Representatives or the Senate. It is then assigned to one or more committees for discussion and possible amendment. If approved by committee, the bill proceeds to floor debate and voting in both chambers. If both chambers pass the bill, it is sent to the governor, who may sign it into law, veto it, or allow it to become law without a signature. The Arizona Legislature convenes annually in regular session starting the second Monday in January. Lawmakers introduce hundreds of bills each session, though only a portion make it into law. You can learn more about the legislative process on the Arizona State Legislature website.
| Bill Number | Date Introduced | Short Description |
|---|---|---|
| HB2211 | 01/15/2025 | This bill proposes the establishment of a legal framework for severe threat orders of protection in Arizona, designed to restrict firearm possession for individuals deemed a danger to themselves or others. It allows a petitioner— a family or household member, significant other, probation officer, behavioral health professional, or peace officer— to request either an ex parte temporary or a full severe threat order of protection through the courts. Upon issuance, these orders mandate the surrender of firearms to law enforcement and registration in national crime databases. Respondents can challenge the order via a court hearing; if unsuccessful, the order remains effective for one year. Violation of these orders is classified as a class 4 felony. If the respondent is a minor, proceedings are transferred to juvenile court, and parents must secure firearms at home. Additionally, false swearing to obtain these orders is penalized as a felony. The bill emphasizes both the procedural and punitive measures to ensure compliance and public safety. |
