Rep. Cairns files bill in North Carolina House on firearm surrender in domestic violence cases

A new bill filed by State Rep. Celeste C. Cairns in the North Carolina House seeks to clarify procedures for surrendering firearms and protect minors’ privacy in related emergency calls, according to the North Carolina State House.

The bill, filed as HB 206 on Feb. 25 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘Mod. Gun Retrieval – DVOs/Juvenile 911 Calls.’

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, this bill modifies and clarifies the procedures surrounding the surrender and retrieval of firearms, ammunition, and permits in cases involving domestic violence protective orders. It mandates that defendants surrender firearms and related items to the sheriff upon the issuance of such orders, with specific exceptions for law enforcement and military personnel. The bill establishes procedures for identifying and storing these items and outlines the conditions under which defendants may retrieve them if no protective orders are issued or extended. Additionally, it provides for the disposal of unclaimed items and sets penalties for violations. The bill also aims to protect minors by restricting the public disclosure of the content of 911 calls involving minors. The provisions related to firearms become effective Dec. 1, 2025, for items surrendered on or after that date, and Feb. 1, 2026, for items surrendered before Dec. 1, 2025.

Of the four sponsors of this bill, Bill Ward proposed the most bills (13) during the 2025 regular session.

Bills in North Carolina follow a multi-step process before becoming law. A lawmaker starts by filing a bill, which is assigned to a committee for review. The bill must be read three times in each chamber. If one chamber changes the bill after the other passes it, both must agree on the final version. Once both chambers approve the same bill, it goes to the governor, who has 10 days (or 30 if the legislature is not in session) to sign, veto, or let it become law without a signature.

You can read more about the bills and other measures here.

Cairns graduated from the University of Georgia with a BBA.

Cairns, a Republican, was elected to the North Carolina State House in 2023 to represent the state’s 13th House district, replacing previous state representative Patricia McElraft.