Mass. lawmakers ponder gun laws for those ‘at risk’

Bay State lawmakers are weighing legislation aimed at taking guns out of the hands of those deemed at risk of hurting themselves or others.

The bill would let family members and police ask a judge to impose what supporters call an “extreme risk protective order” against individuals experiencing a personal crisis and at risk of dangerous behavior. The order would let police temporarily restrict the individual’s access to firearms.

The initial order would remain for 10 days, after which an individual could petition to have the order removed. A judge could agree or could extend the order for up to a year.

Supporters point in part to suicides among veterans, many of whom use guns to kill themselves.

The bill’s sponsor, Democratic state Rep. David Linsky, said there have been a number of cases where family members knew a relative had a mental health problem and sought to have weapons removed from the home, but were told by police they didn’t have the authority.

Massachusetts isn’t alone. Supporters say 20 states are currently weighing some form of the legislation.

‘I think it’s an extraordinarily dangerous bill ... .’ — JIM WALLACE executive director, Gun Owners’ Action League of Massachusetts

A handful of states already have similar measures on the books including California, which passed a law in the wake of a 2014 mass shooting that allows family members and police to ask a judge to issue an emergency protective order for those at risk of harming themselves or others.

Jim Wallace, executive director of the Gun Owners’ Action League of Massachusetts, said the legislation is misguided.

“We’re actually pretty concerned about the bill,” he said. “I think it’s an extraordinarily dangerous bill in terms of civil rights and public safety.”

Linsky said he’s hopeful the bill could pass during the current two-year legislative session which began in January. He said he already has 32 co-sponsors in the 160 member House.