State & Local Government Policy, Business and Technology

'Red flag' laws gain steam after Florida shooting

The Hill: Support for “red flag” laws intended to keep guns from criminals and the mentally ill is growing following the shooting deaths of 17 students and faculty members at a Florida high school.

Allies of the National Rifle Association (NRA) say they’re willing to back various versions of the laws, arguing they would reduce the likelihood of mass shootings.

Some versions of the red flag laws would prohibit gun ownership by those convicted of domestic violence or subject to a restraining order. Others specifically ban gun ownership for those who have been involuntarily committed to a hospital because of mental health reasons.

“We as a society need to agree that shootings like this at schools are unacceptable and it does require action,” said Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R), a staunch gun rights supporter. “One way that you stop disasters like this from happening is by responding and doing something about people who are demonstrated to be dangerous.”

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