California Gov. Jerry Brown has just signed into law a bill allowing family members to report relatives who they deem to be a threat, which then allows the state to step in and remove any firearms.
Controlling the Herd
New Law Allows Authorities To Seize Guns If Family Members Report Danger
California Gov. Jerry Brown has just signed into law a bill allowing family members to report relatives who they deem to be a threat, which then allows the state to step in and remove any firearms, USA Todayreports.
The bill was proposed by Democrats based on the shooting at the University of California, Santa Barbara earlier this year by Elliot Rodger, whose parents had informed the police of the danger he posed.
Despite his parents urging his therapist to contact mental health officials, Rodger was able to convince officers he was completely harmless, resulting in a deadly shooting soon after. Similar legislation already exists in Connecticut, Indiana and Texas, but this bill is the first of its kind to transfer the authority traditionally held by law enforcement authorities to family members.
Democratic state legislators Nancy Skinner and Das Williams introduced the legislation, amid protests from some lawmakers.
“Every one of us wants to prevent a mass shooting,” said Tim Donnelly, a California assemblyman and gun rights proponent. “The question is: Would this bill stop that? I don’t believe you can ever stop that with laws. I don’t believe you can legislate evil out of the hearts of men.”
However, opposing gun control has been difficult in California, as the legislature is controlled by Democrats. The only saving grace for Republicans has been Gov. Jerry Brown, who has vetoed several bills in the past. But not this time.
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Contributed by Jonah Bennett of The Daily Caller.
