Red Flag Law Will Empower Family and Law Enforcement to Petition Courts to Temporarily Suspend a Person’s Access to Firearms If They Pose a Risk to Self or Others
Red Flag Law Will Help Prevent Firearm Suicides and Mass Shootings
BOSTON – The Massachusetts chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, part of Everytown for Gun Safety, today praised Gov. Charles Baker for signing HB 4670 into law. This Red Flag Law will empower families and law enforcement to seek an Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO), a court order that will temporarily restrict a person’s access to firearms when they pose a risk of using them to harm themselves or others. Family members and law enforcement are often the first people to recognize warning signs that indicate someone might be a danger to themselves or others.
Six other states have passed Red Flag Laws this year and Governor Baker is the fourth Republican governor to sign this lifesaving legislation into law following the tragic school shooting in Parkland, Florida.
STATEMENT FROM MOLLY MALLOY, VOLUNTEER WITH THE MASSACHUSETTS CHAPTER OF MOMS DEMAND ACTION FOR GUN SENSE IN AMERICA:
“Today Massachusetts continues its incredible legacy of leading the country on gun sense laws. We are thrilled Gov. Baker, Rep. Decker and all lawmakers who supported this bill listened to their constituents, law enforcement officials, students and gun violence prevention activists, all of whom tirelessly advocated for this critical public safety law. Today’s Red Flag bill signing is an incredible victory for gun safety. We know this new law will save lives.”