Violence Risk Reduction & Prevention Act

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VRRP ACT

An act relating to violence risk reduction and prevention; providing for the short title; providing legislative intent and purpose; defining terms; authorizing additional petitioners for Risk Protection Orders; establishing criteria for filing; providing for due process protections; authorizing firearm surrender; creating a domestic violence addendum; requiring training and public awareness campaigns; providing funding authorization; providing severability; providing an effective date.

Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida:

Section 1. Short Title.—
This act may be cited as the "Violence Risk Reduction & Prevention Act" or "VRRPA."

Section 2. Purpose.—
The Legislature finds that it is necessary to reduce the risk of firearm-related harm by closing dangerous legal loopholes, expanding authority to initiate Risk Protection Orders (RPOs), and protecting individuals and communities from foreseeable acts of violence. This act authorizes qualified mental health professionals to initiate RPOs and provides mechanisms for early intervention and firearm removal based on clinical risk factors and threats of harm.

Section 3. Definitions.—
For purposes of this act, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:

(1) "Forensic Psychologist" means a psychologist licensed under chapter 490, Florida Statutes, with specialized training and experience in forensic evaluation, including assessments of violence risk, competency, and criminal responsibility.

(2) "Forensic Psychiatrist" means a physician licensed under chapter 458 or 459, Florida Statutes, board-certified in forensic psychiatry.

(3) "Risk Protection Order (RPO)" means a court-issued order that temporarily restricts an individual's access to firearms based on findings that the individual poses a significant risk of harm to self or others.

(4) "Imminent Threat" means a present and immediate risk of serious harm or injury.

(5) "Ongoing Dangerousness" means a sustained and credible risk of harm based on clinical evaluation, regardless of imminent threat.

(6) "Mental Health Condition" means a diagnosis recognized under the current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) that impairs judgment, emotional regulation, or behavioral control.

Section 4. Authority to File Risk Protection Orders.—

(1) Eligible Petitioners.—The following persons may petition a court for an RPO:
(a) Law enforcement officers.
(b) Licensed forensic psychologists.
(c) Licensed forensic psychiatrists.

(2) Family Referrals.—A family member or legal guardian may request that an eligible petitioner initiate an RPO proceeding.

(3) Grounds for Petition.—A petition for an RPO may be filed when:

(a) The respondent has a documented history of serious violence or credible threats toward self or others.
(b) The respondent has access to firearms and shows signs of deteriorating mental health.
(c) The respondent displays a pattern of delusional, psychotic, or unstable behavior.

(4) Confidentiality Exemption.—A forensic psychologist or psychiatrist may disclose necessary information to the court in the RPO petition process if, in their professional judgment, the subject poses an ongoing risk of violence. This disclosure shall not be deemed a breach of confidentiality under applicable statutes.

Section 5. Due Process.—
(1) Hearing.—
(a) A hearing shall be held within 7 days of filing the petition.
(b) The respondent shall have the right to legal counsel and to present evidence in opposition to the petition.

(2) Duration of Order.—
(a) Initial RPOs may be granted for up to one year.
(b) Orders may be renewed upon clinical re-evaluation and judicial determination.

(3) Firearm Surrender.—
The respondent shall surrender all firearms in their possession to local law enforcement within 24 hours of issuance of the RPO. Law enforcement may take custody of firearms if not voluntarily surrendered.

Section 6. Domestic Violence Addendum.—
(1) Expanded Petitioning Authority.—
(a) Victims of domestic violence, or their representatives including therapists, social workers, and forensic psychologists, may file or request the filing of an RPO.

(2) Immediate Firearm Removal.—
(a) Courts shall require immediate removal of firearms upon issuance of any domestic violence restraining order or temporary protective injunction.

(3) Domestic Violence as Independent Criterion.—
(a) Documented acts of domestic violence shall serve as an independent ground for issuing an RPO.
(b) Domestic violence evidence may be considered alone or in combination with mental health factors.

(4) Integrated Mental Health Review.—
(a) Any clinical assessment for an RPO must consider the subject’s history of domestic violence, and use of firearms to exert coercion, intimidation, or control.

Section 7. Public Health and Safety Provisions.—
(1) The Department of Health shall create and administer a statewide certification program for qualified professionals authorized to file RPOs under this act.
(2) The Department shall also conduct a public education campaign to increase awareness of RPO eligibility, firearm-related risk factors, and access to clinical support services.

Section 8. Funding.—
The Legislature shall appropriate funds to:
(a) Implement training programs under this act.
(b) Support administrative and judicial processing of RPOs.
(c) Execute the public awareness campaign mandated herein.

Section 9. Severability.—
If any provision of this act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications of the act which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application.

Section 10. Effective Date.—
This act shall take effect July 1, 2025.