Lori Jackson-Nicolette Elias Domestic Violence Survivor Protection Act
Latest action (30 Jul 2026): Introduced
What this bill does
H.R. 9983 would amend federal firearms law to expand protections for domestic violence survivors. It broadens the definition of "intimate partner" under federal law to include dating partners and other similarly situated individuals, not just spouses, former spouses, cohabitants, and co-parents. It also creates a new category, "covered domestic violence court order," which includes ex parte or temporary protective orders—not just final orders—as grounds for barring someone from purchasing, receiving, or possessing firearms and ammunition, provided certain notice and due-process requirements are met. Corresponding sections of title 18 governing unlawful firearm sales and possession are updated to reflect this broader order category.
The bill affects domestic violence survivors who seek protective orders, including those in dating relationships, by extending federal firearm restrictions to their abusers earlier in the legal process and to a wider range of relationships. It also affects state, tribal, and local governments through a new Department of Justice grant program (administered by the Office on Violence Against Women) to help them establish or fund firearm-surrender procedures, storage systems, and law enforcement partnerships tied to domestic violence protection orders. Federal agencies handling background-check systems would make related technical updates.
The bill was introduced in the House on July 30, 2026, by Rep. Jim Himes with several cosponsors, and referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. It has not yet received committee action, floor votes, or Senate consideration, and would need to pass both chambers and be signed into law before taking effect.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
This bill is in the first stage of the legislative process. It was introduced into Congress on July 30, 2026. It will typically be considered by committee next before it is possibly sent on to the House or Senate as a whole.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 9983 do?
- H.R. 9983 would amend federal firearms law to expand protections for domestic violence survivors. It broadens the definition of "intimate partner" under federal law to include dating partners and other similarly situated individuals, not just spouses, former spouses, cohabitants, and co-parents. It also creates a new category, "covered domestic violence court order," which includes ex parte or temporary protective orders—not just final orders—as grounds for barring someone from purchasing, receiving, or possessing firearms and ammunition, provided certain notice and due-process requirements are met. Corresponding sections of title 18 governing unlawful firearm sales and possession are updated to reflect this broader order category. The bill affects domestic violence survivors who seek protective orders, including those in dating relationships, by extending federal firearm restrictions to their abusers earlier in the legal process and to a wider range of relationships. It also affects state, tribal, and local governments through a new Department of Justice grant program (administered by the Office on Violence Against Women) to help them establish or fund firearm-surrender procedures, storage systems, and law enforcement partnerships tied to domestic violence protection orders. Federal agencies handling background-check systems would make related technical updates. The bill was introduced in the House on July 30, 2026, by Rep. Jim Himes with several cosponsors, and referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. It has not yet received committee action, floor votes, or Senate consideration, and would need to pass both chambers and be signed into law before taking effect.
- Has H.R. 9983 become law?
- Not yet. As of 30 Jul 2026, H.R. 9983 is introduced.
- Who sponsored H.R. 9983?
- H.R. 9983 was sponsored by Rep. James “Jim” Himes [D-CT4] (Democrat-CT), with 19 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 9983?
- Introduced (30 Jul 2026).
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