The right to bear arms remains a topic of heated debate across the globe, but only a handful of nations constitutionally protect this right, with the United States being one of the most prominent. Yet, the freedom to own firearms in the U.S. is not absolute. Federal restrictions are in place for certain groups, and state laws further define circumstances under which firearms may be seized, particularly for individuals deemed at “extreme risk” or involved in domestic violence situations.
For those committed to preparedness, understanding the laws around firearm ownership rights and restrictions is crucial. It’s not just about safeguarding your means of defense; it’s also about making sure you remain legally compliant with your rights intact. Here’s a closer look at states with specific laws regarding firearm seizure.
New Jersey
In New Jersey, the law mandates temporary disarmament for individuals identified as posing an “extreme risk,” with disarmament periods starting at 10 days and potentially extending indefinitely. While there’s no automatic disarmament for those with crime-related bans, those convicted of domestic violence must relinquish their firearms, although this doesn’t extend to those under restraining orders.
Oklahoma
Oklahoma currently lacks specific legislation for the removal of firearms from individuals considered “extreme risk.” The state’s laws do not facilitate firearm removal for crime-related possession bans or domestic violence cases, whether convictions or restraining orders. However, Oklahoma requires law enforcement to intervene and potentially disarm individuals during domestic violence emergency calls.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts enforces the temporary suspension of firearm rights for “extreme risk” cases, with durations ranging from 10 days up to a year. The state does not mandate firearm removal for crime-related bans or domestic violence cases, nor does it have laws specifically addressing firearm removal during domestic violence emergency calls.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania does not have established protocols for disarming “extreme risk” individuals or for those with crime-related bans or domestic violence backgrounds. The state does, however, require law enforcement to act in domestic violence emergencies, potentially involving firearm removal.
Delaware
Delaware’s laws mandate the removal of firearms from “extreme risk” individuals for periods ranging from 15 days up to a year. Unlike some states, Delaware does not enforce disarmament for crime-related possession bans or domestic violence cases, highlighting a specific focus on preemptive risk reduction without broader disarmament policies.
New Mexico
In New Mexico, “extreme risk” laws necessitate the temporary relinquishment of firearms, with periods extending from 10 days to a year. The state’s approach does not include disarmament for crime-related possession bans or domestic violence cases, indicating a targeted but limited strategy for firearm control.
Rhode Island
Rhode Island requires individuals considered “extreme risk” to temporarily surrender their firearms, with durations from 14 days to a year. The state also enforces firearm removal for those convicted of domestic violence or under restraining orders, presenting a comprehensive approach to reducing potential harm.
Michigan
Starting in 2024, Michigan will implement “extreme risk” firearm removal laws, with disarmament periods ranging from 14 days to a year. The state’s future approach does not include disarmament for crime-related bans or domestic violence cases.
New Hampshire
New Hampshire has no procedures for the removal of firearms from “extreme risk” individuals or for those with crime-related possession bans or domestic violence backgrounds. The state’s requirement for law enforcement intervention in domestic violence emergencies, however, underscores a commitment to immediate risk mitigation rather than broad disarmament policies.
New York
New York mandates temporary firearm rights suspension for “extreme risk” cases, lasting from 6 days up to a year. The state’s focused approach does not extend to crime-related bans or domestic violence cases, highlighting a targeted strategy for risk prevention.
Florida
Florida’s legislation permits the temporary removal of firearms from “extreme risk” individuals, with periods ranging from 14 days to a year. Despite this, the state does not enforce disarmament for crime-related possession bans or domestic violence cases. Florida’s lack of specific laws for firearm removal during domestic violence emergencies points to a targeted approach to firearm control.
Illinois
In Illinois, “extreme risk” laws necessitate the temporary forfeiture of firearms, ranging from 14 days to 6 months. While there’s no automatic seizure for those banned due to criminal activity or domestic violence convictions, an enforced removal is triggered by domestic violence restraining orders. This highlights the state’s focus on preventing potential harm.
Tennessee
Tennessee currently lacks “extreme risk” firearm removal laws and does not mandate seizure for criminal possession bans. However, the state enforces firearm removal for individuals with domestic violence convictions or under restraining orders.
Hawaii
Hawaii’s approach includes mandatory firearm rights loss for “extreme risk” individuals for up to a year. Unlike some states, Hawaii doesn’t enforce gun removal for crime-related bans or domestic violence scenarios unless it involves emergency calls.
California
California stands out for its comprehensive measures, removing firearms from “extreme risk” individuals for up to 5 years and extending seizure to those with crime-related bans or domestic violence issues.
Minnesota
Starting in 2024, Minnesota will enact “extreme risk” laws, with temporary firearm bans lasting from 14 days to a year. While there’s no provision for criminal possession bans, domestic violence convictions and restraining orders will result in enforced removal.
Louisiana
Louisiana does not specify “extreme risk” firearm removal and lacks laws for criminal bans and restraining orders. However, it enforces gun removal for domestic violence convictions.
Nevada
Nevada requires firearm forfeiture for “extreme risk” cases, crime-related bans, and domestic violence situations, so this state has a broad approach to firearm control. This comprehensive strategy underscores the importance of understanding state-specific laws for effective prepping and self-defense planning.
Nebraska
Nebraska currently has no “extreme risk” removal measures and doesn’t enforce seizure for criminal or domestic violence-related bans. The focus on law enforcement intervention during domestic violence emergency calls, however, illustrates the state’s commitment to immediate risk mitigation.
Colorado
Colorado mandates a temporary loss of firearm rights for “extreme risk” individuals, applying also to those with domestic violence convictions and restraining orders. With a high percentage of homicides involving firearms, the state’s regulations reflect a broader concern for community safety and the complexities of balancing personal preparedness with legal constraints.
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I firmly believe in keeping a well-stocked emergency pantry. While fresh food is ideal, in a survival situation, we may not be that lucky. So, for my family, even though we grow a lot of our own food, canned goods play a crucial role in emergency preparedness. They offer a reliable source of nutrition when access to fresh produce may be limited. The goods you stockpile should be affordable, easy to store, and full of nutrition.
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Choosing a refuge in the event of societal collapse involves weighing the pros and cons of each location against your personal preparedness goals and abilities. Whether you’re drawn to the solitude of the desert or the protective heights of the mountains, the key is finding a place that offers safety and the opportunity for growth and renewal.
Katy Willis is a writer, lifelong homesteader, and master herbalist, master gardener, and canine nutritionist. Katy is a preparedness expert and modern homesteader practicing everyday preparedness, sustainability, and a holistic lifestyle.
She knows how important it is to be prepared for whatever life throws at you, because you just never know what's coming. And preparedness helps you give your family the best chance to thrive in any situation.
Katy is passionate about living naturally, growing food, keeping livestock, foraging, and making and using herbal remedies. Katy is an experienced herbalist and a member of the CMA (Complementary Medical Association).
Her preparedness skills go beyond just being "ready", she's ready to survive the initial disaster, and thrive afterward, too. She grows 100% organic food on roughly 15 acres and raises goats, chickens, and ducks. She also lovingly tends her orchard, where she grows many different fruit trees. And, because she likes to know exactly what she's feeding her family, she's a seasoned from-scratch cook and gluten-free baker.
Katy teaches foraging and environmental education classes, too, including self-sufficient living, modern homesteading, seed saving, and organic vegetable gardening.
Katy helps others learn forgotten skills, including basic survival skills and self-reliance.
She's been published on sites such as MSN, Angi, Home Advisor, Family Handyman, Wealth of Geeks, Readers Digest, and more.