Posted: 4/10/2017 3:04:55 PM EDT
BOSTON —
Massachusetts 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. View Quote More Here
GOALs response:
BOSTON – The Gun Owners Action League of Massachusetts (GOAL) today responded to assertions made by Rep. David Linsky (D-Natick) and others in regard to the merits of Rep. Linsky’s bill, H. 3081 An Act Establishing Extreme Risk Protective Orders. GOAL has great concerns about the due process issues and also believes that this bill falls very short for people and families of those deemed at extreme risk.
“GOAL is very concerned with all aspects of firearm safety and we work tirelessly to provide training and education to the public. We believe it is extraordinarily important to take actions and have discussions concerning mental health and firearms, but these have to have meaning and substance,” said Jim Wallace, Executive Director of GOAL. “To drag someone into court and label them an “extreme threat” and only take their civil rights away is not a path to public safety or mental health compassion. We can do much better than this, we are better than this.”
GOAL calls on the legislature to reject this soundbite legislation and instead take up mental health legislation that will provide both care and public safety while respecting civil rights and due process. People with mental health issues deserve our help and our respect and we can do much better than this bill promises to provide. View Quote
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