D.C. Act 23-49. Firearms Safety Omnibus Clarification Emergency Amendment Act of 2019.
AN ACT
To amend, on an emergency basis, the District of Columbia Mental Health Information Act of 1978 to authorize mental health professionals to disclose mental health information when necessary to request an extreme risk protection order and to require the disclosure of mental health information to the Office of Attorney General in response to a court order; to amend the Firearms Control Regulations Act of 1975 to prohibit the issuance of a firearm registration certificate to the subject of an extreme risk protection order, to require the Superior Court for the District of Columbia, for good cause shown, to issue such orders as may be necessary to obtain mental health records and other relevant information for the purposes of petitions for relief from disqualifications from firearm registration, to authorize the Mayor to issue rules, subject to Council review, to implement the provisions of the Firearms Control Regulations Act of 1975, to clarify that the Office of Attorney General may intervene and represent the interests of the District of Columbia with respect to petitions for extreme risk protection orders or provide individual legal representation, upon request, to a petitioner, to broaden the court's ability to place records related to extreme risk protection orders under seal, to establish procedures for computing periods of time relating to an extreme risk protection order, to provide for the use of calendar days instead of business days for timelines related to extreme risk protection orders, to require that the court consider the unlawful or reckless use, display, or brandishing of any weapon by the respondent in determining whether to issue an extreme risk protection order, to require that the initial hearing for a petition for a final extreme risk protection order be held within 14 days after the petition was filed, to require the Superior Court for the District of Columbia, for good cause shown, to issue such orders as may be necessary to obtain mental health records and other relevant information for the purposes of petitions for an extreme risk protection order, to modify the duration of ex parte extreme risk protection orders, to establish procedures for the issuance and execution of search warrants accompanying extreme risk protection orders, to add the Office of Attorney General and the Superior Court for the District of Columbia to the list of entities that shall receive from the Metropolitan Police Department information related to extreme risk protection orders, to require the Mayor or the Mayor's designee to submit information about extreme risk protection orders to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System for the purposes of firearm purchaser background checks; to amend the Homeland Security, Risk Reduction, and Preparedness Amendment Act of 2006 to create a quorum requirement for the Comprehensive Homicide Elimination Strategy Task Force and extend its report submission deadline; to amend the Act to Regulate Public Conduct on Public Passenger Vehicles to designate certain violations of the act civil pedestrian offenses and to authorize Metro Transit Police Department officers to issue notices of infractions for alleged civil violations; to amend the District of Columbia Traffic Adjudication Act of 1978 to exempt certain pedestrian offenses from criminal penalty; and to amend Title 18 of the District of Columbia Municipal Regulations to include a civil fine schedule for certain violations of the Act to Regulate Public Conduct on Public Passenger Vehicles.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this act may be cited as the "Firearms Safety Omnibus Clarification Emergency Amendment Act of 2019".
Sec. 2. Title IV of the District of Columbia Mental Health Information Act of 1978, effective March 3, 1979 (D.C. Law 2-136; D.C. Official Code § 7-1204.01 et seq.), is amended as follows:
(a) Section 402 (D.C. Official Code § 7-1204.02) is amended to read as follows:
"Sec. 402. Civil commitment proceedings; extreme risk protection orders.
"Mental health information may be disclosed by a mental health professional when and to the extent necessary to:
"(1) Initiate or seek civil commitment proceedings under D.C. Official Code § 21-541; or
"(2) Request an extreme risk protection order under Title X of the Firearms Control Regulations Act of 1975, effective May 10, 2019 (D.C. Law 22-314; 66 DCR 1672).".
(b) Section 403 (D.C. Official Code § 7-1204.03) is amended by adding a new subsection (c) to read as follows:
"(c) Mental health information shall be disclosed to the Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia in response to a court order issued pursuant to section 203(f)(3)(A)(i) or section 1003(d)(2) of the Firearms Control Regulations Act of 1975, effective September 24, 1976 (D.C. Law 1-85; D.C. Official Code § 7-2502.03(f)(3)(A)(i) or § 7-2510.01 et seq.).".
Sec. 3. The Firearms Control Regulations Act of 1975, effective September 24, 1976 (D.C. Law 1-85; D.C. Official Code § 7-2501.01 et seq.), is amended as follows:
(a) Section 203 (D.C. Official Code § 7-2502.03) is amended as follows:
(1) Subsection (a)(15) is amended to read as follows:
"(15) Is not the subject of an ex parte extreme risk protection order issued pursuant to section 1004 or a final extreme risk protection order issued pursuant to section 1003, or renewed pursuant to section 1006.".
(2) Subsection (f)(3) is amended as follows:
(A) Subparagraph (A) is amended to read as follows:
"(A)(i) Upon receipt of a petition filed under paragraph (1) of this subsection, and for good cause shown, the court shall issue such orders as may be necessary to obtain any mental health records and other information relevant for the purposes of the petition. The order shall require the disclosure of records to the Office of the Attorney General so that the Office of the Attorney General can conduct a search of the petitioner's mental health records and report its findings to the court as required by subparagraph (B) of this paragraph.
"(ii) The court shall order the Office of the Attorney General to file a response to the petition. Within 60 days after the court's order for a response, the Office of the Attorney General shall file a response indicating whether the Office of the Attorney General supports or opposes the petition.
"(iii) The court may, for good cause shown, extend in 30-day increments the date by which the Office of Attorney General must file its response under sub-subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph.".
(B) Subparagraph (B) is amended by striking the phrase "criminal history" and inserting the phrase "criminal history and firearms eligibility" in its place.
(b) Section 705(b) (D.C. Official Code § 7-2507.05(b)) is amended by striking the phrase "the United States Attorney and the Corporation Counsel for the District whether" and inserting the phrase "the United States Attorney's Office and the Office of Attorney General whether" in its place.
(c) Section 712 (D.C. Official Code § 7-2507.11) is amended to read as follows:
"The Mayor, pursuant to Title I of the District of Columbia Administrative Procedure Act, approved October 21, 1968 (82 Stat. 1204; D.C. Official Code § 2-501 et seq.), may issue rules to implement the provisions of this act. The proposed rules shall be submitted to the Council for a 45-day period of review, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, legal holidays, and days of Council recess. If the Council does not approve or disapprove the proposed rules, in whole or in part, by resolution within the 45-day review period, the proposed rules shall be deemed approved.".
(d) Section 1001 (D.C. Official Code § 7-2510.01) is amended as follows:
(1) A new paragraph (1A) is added to read as follows:
"(1A) "Hours of daylight" means between 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.".
(2) Paragraph (2)(A) is amended by striking the phrase "relationship rendering the application of this title appropriate" and inserting the word "relationship" in its place.
(e) Section 1002 (D.C. Official Code § 7-2510.02) is amended as follows:
(1) Subsection (a) is amended as follows:
(A) Paragraph (3) is amended by striking the semicolon and inserting the phrase "; and" in its place.
(B) Paragraph (4) is repealed.
(2) Subsection (c) is amended to read as follows:
"(c)(1) The Office of the Attorney General may:
"(A) Intervene in the case and represent the interests of the District of Columbia; or
"(B) At the request of the petitioner, provide individual legal representation to the petitioner in proceedings under this title.
"(2) If the Office of the Attorney General intervenes in a case under paragraph (1)(A) of this subsection, the intervention shall continue until:
"(A) The court denies the petition for a final extreme risk protection order pursuant to section 1003;
"(B) The court terminates a final extreme risk protection order pursuant to section 1008; or
"(C) The Office of the Attorney General withdraws from the intervention.".
(3) Subsection (d) is amended to read as follows:
"(d) The court may place any record or part of a proceeding related to the issuance, renewal, or termination of an extreme risk protection order under seal for good cause shown.".
(4) A new subsection (e) is added to read as follows:
"(e) When computing a time period specified in this title, or in an order issued under this title:
"(1) Stated in days or a longer unit of time:
"(A) Exclude the day of the event that triggers the time period;
"(B) Count every day, including intermediate Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays; and
"(C) Include the last day of the time period, but if the last day of the time period specified falls on a Saturday, Sunday, a legal holiday, or a day on which weather or other conditions cause the court to be closed, the time period specified shall continue to run until the end of the next day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, legal holiday, or a day on which weather or other conditions cause the court to be closed.
"(2) Stated in hours:
"(A) Begin counting immediately on the occurrence of the event that triggers the time period;
"(B) Count every hour, including hours during intermediate Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays; and
"(C) If the time period would end on a Saturday, Sunday, legal holiday, or a day on which weather or other conditions cause the court to be closed, the time period continues to run until the same time on the next day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, legal holiday, or a day on which weather or other conditions cause the court to be closed.".
(f) Section 1003 (D.C. Official Code § 7-2510.03) is amended as follows:
(1) Subsection (a)(2) is amended to read as follows:
"(2) The initial hearing shall be held within 14 days after the date the petition was filed."
(2) Subsection (b) is amended as follows:
(A) Paragraph (1) is amended by striking the phrase "5 business days" and inserting the phrase "7 days" in its place.
(B) A new paragraph (3) is added to read as follows:
"(3) If the respondent is unable to be personally served after the court has set a new hearing date and required new attempts at service pursuant to paragraph (2) of this subsection, the court may dismiss the petition without prejudice.".
(3) Subsection (d) is amended to read as follows:
"(d) Upon receipt of a petition filed under section 1002, and for good cause shown, the court shall issue such orders as may be necessary to obtain any mental health records and other information relevant for the purposes of the petition. The order shall require the disclosure of records to the Office of the Attorney General so that it can conduct a search of the respondent's mental health records and report its findings to the court as required by this subsection. Before the hearing for a final extreme risk protection order, the court shall order that the Office of the Attorney General:
"(1) Conduct a reasonable search of all available records to determine whether the respondent owns any firearms or ammunition;
"(2) Conduct a reasonable search of all available records of the respondent's mental health;
"(3) Perform a national criminal history and firearms eligibility background check on the respondent; and
"(4) Submit its findings under this subsection to the court.".
(4) The lead-in language for subsection (e) is amended by striking the phrase "consider all relevant evidence," and inserting the phrase "consider any exhibits, affidavits, supporting documents, and all other relevant evidence," in its place.
(5) Subsection (h)(6) is amended by striking the phrase "connected with a petition filed under this title" and inserting the phrase "connected with this title" in its place.
(g) Section 1004 (D.C. Official Code § 7-2510.04) is amended as follows:
(1) Subsection (c) is amended as follows:
(A) The lead-in language for subsection (c) is amended by striking the phrase "consider all relevant evidence," and inserting the phrase "consider any exhibits, affidavits, supporting documents, and all other relevant evidence," in its place.
((B) Paragraph (4) is amended by striking the phrase "firearm by" and inserting the phrase "firearm or other weapon by" in its place.
(2) Subsection (f) is amended by striking the phrase "to section" and inserting the phrase "to this section" in its place.
(3) Subsection (g) is amended as follows:
(A) Paragraph (3) is amended to read as follows:
"(3) The date and time the order will expire;".
(B) Paragraph (7) is amended to read as follows:
"(7) The procedures for the surrender of firearms, ammunition, registration certificates, licenses to carry a concealed pistol, or dealer's licenses in the respondent's possession, control, or ownership pursuant to section 1007; and".
(4) Subsection (h) is amended to read as follows:
"(h) An ex parte extreme risk protection order issued pursuant to this section shall remain in effect for an initial period not to exceed 14 days. The court may extend an ex parte extreme risk protection order in additional 14-day increments for good cause shown.".
(h) Section 1005 (D.C. Official Code § 7-2510.05) is amended as follows:
(1) Paragraph (2) is amended by striking the phrase "next business day" and inserting the phrase "next day" in its place.
(2) Paragraph (3) is amended by striking the phrase "5 business days" and inserting the phrase "7 days" in its place.
(3) Paragraph (4) is amended by striking the phrase "one business day" and inserting the phrase "24 hours" in its place.
(i) Section 1006 (D.C. Official Code § 7-2510.06) is amended as follows:
(1) Subsection (c) is amended by striking the phrase "15 business days" and inserting the phrase "21 days" in its place.
(2) Subsection (d)(4) is amended by striking the phrase "firearm by" and inserting the phrase "firearm or other weapon by" in its place.
(j) Section 1007(a) (D.C. Official Code § 7-2510.07(a)) is repealed.
(k) New sections 1007a, 1007b, 1007c, and 1007d are added to read as follows:
"Sec. 1007a. Nature and issuance of search warrants.
"(a) If the court issues a final extreme risk protection order pursuant to section 1003, issues an ex parte extreme risk protection order pursuant to section 1004, or renews a final extreme risk protection order pursuant to section 1006, the court may issue an accompanying search warrant. The search warrant may authorize a search to be conducted anywhere in the District of Columbia and shall be executed pursuant to its terms.
"(b) A search warrant issued under this section may direct a search of any or all of the following:
"(1) One or more designated or described places or premises;
"(2) One or more designated or described vehicles;
"(3) One or more designated or described physical objects; or
"(4) The respondent.
"(c) The search warrant shall authorize the search for, and seizure of, any firearms, ammunition, registration certificates, licenses to carry a concealed pistol, or dealer's licenses that the respondent is prohibited from having possession or control of, purchasing, or receiving pursuant to the terms of an extreme risk protection order issued or renewed under this title.
"(d) A search warrant issued under section 1007a may be addressed to a specific law enforcement officer or to any classification of officers of the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia or other agency authorized to make arrests or execute process in the District of Columbia.
"(e) A search warrant issued under section 1007a shall contain:
"(1) The name of the issuing court, the name and signature of the issuing judge, and the date of issuance;
"(2) If the search warrant is addressed to a specific officer, the name of that officer, otherwise, the classifications of officers to whom the warrant is addressed;
"(3) A designation of the premises, vehicles, objects, or persons to be searched, sufficient for certainty of identification;
"(4) A description of the property whose seizure is the object of the search warrant;
"(5) A direction that the search warrant be executed during the hours of daylight or, where the court has found cause therefor, including one of the grounds set forth in section 1007b(c), an authorization for execution at any time of day or night; and
"(6) A direction that the search warrant and an inventory of any property seized pursuant thereto be returned to the court within 72 hours after its execution.
"Sec. 1007b. Time of execution of search warrants.
"(a) A search warrant issued under section 1007a shall not be executed after the expiration of the extreme risk protection order it accompanies, or after 10 days from the date the warrant was issued, whichever is earlier.
"(b) The search warrant shall be returned to the court after its execution or expiration in accordance with section 1007a(e)(6).
"(c) A search warrant issued under section 1007a may be executed on any day of the week and, in the absence of express authorization in the warrant pursuant to subsection (c) of this section, shall be executed only during the hours of daylight.
"(d) If the court finds that there is probable cause to believe that the search warrant cannot be executed during the hours of daylight, the property sought is likely to be removed or destroyed if not seized forthwith, or the property sought is not likely to be found except at certain times or in certain circumstances, the court may include in the search warrant an authorization for execution at any time of day or night.
"Sec. 1007c. Execution of search warrants.
"(a) An officer executing a search warrant issued under section 1007a directing a search of a dwelling house or other building or a vehicle shall execute that search warrant in accordance with 18 U.S.C. § 3109.
"(b) An officer executing a search warrant issued under section 1007a directing a search of a person shall give, or make reasonable effort to give, notice of his identity and purpose to the person, and, if such person thereafter resists or refuses to permit the search, such person shall be subject to arrest by such officer pursuant to D.C. Official Code § 23-581(a) for violation of section 432a of the Revised Statutes of the District of Columbia (D.C. Official Code § 22-405.01), or other applicable provision of law.
"(c)(1) An officer or agent executing a search warrant issued under section 1007a shall write and subscribe an inventory setting forth the time of the execution of the search warrant and the property seized under it.
"(2) If the search is of a person, a copy of the search warrant and of the return shall be given to that person.
"(3) If the search is of a place, vehicle, or object, a copy of the search warrant and of the return shall be given to the owner thereof or, if the owner is not present, to an occupant, custodian, or other person present. If no person is present, the officer shall post a copy of the warrant and of the return upon the premises, vehicle, or object searched.
"(d) A copy of the search warrant shall be filed with the court on the next court day after its execution, together with a copy of the return.
"(e) An officer executing a search warrant issued under section 1007a directing a search of premises or a vehicle may search any person therein to the extent reasonably necessary to:
"(1) Protect himself or others from the use of any weapon which may be concealed upon the person; or
"(2) Find property enumerated in the warrant which may be concealed upon the person.
"Sec. 1007d. Disposition of property.
"(a) A law enforcement officer or a designated civilian employee of the Metropolitan Police Department who seizes property in the execution of a search warrant issued under section 1007a shall cause it to be safely kept until the property is returned to:
"(1) The respondent, upon the expiration of the extreme risk protection order that the search warrant accompanied; or
"(2) A lawful owner, other than the respondent, claiming title to the property pursuant to section 1007(d).
"(b) Nothing in subsection (a) of this section shall be construed to require the Metropolitan Police Department to release property seized pursuant to a warrant to a person who did not legally possess the property at the time it was taken.
"(c) No property seized shall be released or destroyed except in accordance with law and upon order of a court or of the United States Attorney for the District of Columbia or the Office of the Attorney General.".
(l) Section 1008 (D.C. Official Code § 7-2510.08) is amended as follows:
(1) Subsection (a) is amended by striking the phrase "order in in effect" and inserting the phrase "order is in effect" in its place.
(2) Subsection (c)(4) is amended by striking the phrase "firearm by" and inserting "firearm or other weapon by" in its place.
(3) Subsection (f) is amended as follows:
(A) Paragraph (1) is amended as follows:
(i) Strike the phrase "upon the petitioner" and insert the phrase "upon the petitioner and respondent" in its place.
(ii) A new paragraph (1A) is added to read as follows:
"(1A) If the petitioner or respondent was personally served in court when the motion to terminate an extreme risk protection order was granted, the personal service requirement of paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be waived with respect to the party served in court.".
(B) Paragraph (2) is amended as follows:
(i) Strike the phrase "next business day" and insert the phrase "next day" in its place.
(ii) Strike the phrase "the respondent" and insert the phrase "the petitioner" in its place.
(C) Paragraph (3) is amended by striking the phrase "5 business days" and inserting the phrase "7 days" in its place.
(D) Paragraph (4) is amended by striking the phrase "one business day" and inserting the phrase "24 hours" in its place.
(m) Section 1010(a)(2) (D.C. Official Code § 7-2510.10(a)(2)) is amended by striking the phrase "available to any" and inserting the phrase "available to the Superior Court for the District of Columbia, the Office of the Attorney General, and any" in its place.
Sec. 4. Section 501 of the Homeland Security, Risk Reduction, and Preparedness Amendment Act of 2006, effective March 14, 2007 (D.C. Law 16-262; D.C. Official Code § 22-4251), is amended as follows:
(a) Subsection (b)(1) is amended by striking the phrase "following entities" and inserting the phrase "following entities, of which one-third shall constitute a quorum" in its place.
(b) Subsection (c) is amended by striking the phrase "June 1, 2019" and inserting the phrase "June 1, 2020" in its place.
Sec. 5. Section 5(a) of the Act to Regulate Public Conduct on Public Passenger Vehicles, effective September 23, 1975 (D.C. Law 1-18; D.C. Official Code § 35-254(a)), is amended to read as follows:
"(a)(1) Except as provided in subsection (b)(1) of this section, a violation of section 2(b) or section 3 shall be punishable by a civil fine of not more than $50.
"(2) Violations penalized under this subsection shall constitute a pedestrian offense for purposes of section 301 of the District of Columbia Traffic Adjudication Act of 1978, effective September 12, 1978 (D.C. Law 2-104; D.C. Official Code § 50-2303.01).
"(3) Individuals authorized to issue notices of infractions for the violations penalized under this subsection include any police officer with authority to make arrests within the District, including members of the Metro Transit Police Department.".
Sec. 6. Section 307(b) of the District of Columbia Traffic Adjudication Act of 1978, effective September 12, 1978 (D.C. Law 2-104; D.C. Official Code § 50-2303.07(b)), is amended as follows:
(a) The existing text is designated as paragraph (1).
(b) A new paragraph (2) is added to read as follows:
"(2) This subsection shall not apply to a pedestrian offense penalized under section 5(a) of the Act to Regulate Public Conduct on Public Passenger Vehicles, effective September 23, 1975 (D.C. Law 1-18; D.C. Official Code § 35-254(a)).".
Sec. 7. Section 2603.1 of Title 18 of the District of Columbia Municipal Regulations is amended by adding new infractions to read as follows:
"Smoke or carry a lighted or smoldering pipe, cigar, or cigarette (D.C. Official Code § 35-251(b)(1)) $50.00
"Consume food or beverages (D.C. Official Code § 35-251(b)(2)) $50.00
"Spit (D.C. Official Code § 35-251(b)(3)) $50.00
"Discard litter (D.C. Official Code § 35-251(b)(4)) $50.00
"Play any radio, musical instrument, or similar device, unless it is connected to an earphone that limits the sound to the individual user (D.C. Official Code § 35-251(b)(5)) $50.00
"Carry any animals, except for guide dogs properly harnessed and small animals properly contained (D.C. Official Code § 35-251(b)(7)) $50.00
"Stand in front of the line marked on the forward end of the floor of any bus or otherwise conduct themselves in such a manner as to obstruct the vision of the operator (D.C. Official Code § 35-251(b)(8)) $50.00
"Operate or chain to any fence, tree, railing, or other structure not specifically designated for such use, skateboards, rollerblades, roller skates, non-motorized scooters, bicycles, tricycles, or unicycles (D.C. Official Code § 35-251(b)(9)) $50.00
"Park, operate, carry, wheel, or chain to any fence, tree, railing, or other structure not specifically designated for such use, mopeds, motorbikes, or any similar vehicle (D.C. Official Code § 35-251(b)(10)) $50.00
"Board a public or private passenger vehicle for hire, including vehicles owned or operated by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, without paying the established fare or presenting a valid transfer and without emergency circumstances (D.C. Official Code § 35-252(1)(A)) $50.00
"Board a rail transit car owned or operated by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority without paying the established fare or presenting a valid transfer and without emergency circumstances (D.C. Official Code § 35-252(1)(B)) $50.00
"Enter or leave the fare-paid area of a rail transit station owned or operated by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority without paying the established fare or presenting a valid transfer and without emergency circumstances (D.C. Official Code § 35-252(1)(C)) $50.00
"Board a public or private passenger vehicle for hire, including vehicles owned or operated by the Washington Area Metropolitan Transit Authority, through the rear exit door, unless so directed by an employee or agent of the carrier or in emergency circumstances (D.C. Official Code § 35-252(2)) $50.00.".
Sec. 8. Fiscal impact statement.
The Council adopts the fiscal impact statement of the Budget Director as the fiscal impact statement required by section 4a of the General Legislative Procedures Act of 1975, approved October 16, 2006 (120 Stat. 2038; D.C. Official Code § 1-301.47a).
Sec. 9. Effective date.
This act shall take effect following approval by the Mayor (or in the event of veto by the Mayor, action by the Council to override the veto), and shall remain in effect for no longer than 90 days, as provided for emergency acts of the Council of the District of Columbia in section 412(a) of the District of Columbia Home Rule Act, approved December 24, 1973 (87 Stat. 788; D.C. Official Code § 1-204.12(a)).
