Congresswoman Lucy McBath introduced a ‘Red Flag’ bill aimed at preventing gun violence.
What We Know:
- The “Red Flag” bill, is also known as the Federal Extreme Risk Protection Order Act of 2019.
- Rep. McBath introduced the bill on the House floor on June 4.
- The law will require more intense background checks and would allow individuals to report worrying behavior to law enforcement and request an extreme risk protection order. If law enforcement finds the threat credible, the individual’s access to weapons that could cause injuries to themselves or others will be restricted for a certain amount of time.
- The congresswoman described the bill as, “common-sense legislation.” She continued, “[it] would empower loved ones and members of law enforcement to prevent tragedies… mass shootings and intimate partner gun violence.”
- A very similar law already exists, the Federal Extreme Risk Protection Order Act of 2018. Rep. McBath’s version uses similar language, except the law would be enacted nationwide.
- 15 states and the District of Columbia already have extreme risk laws that have garnered support across political lines.
Hopefully, Congresswoman McBath’s bill will prevent gun-violence nationwide.
