'Gun Violence Restraining Order' bill passed by California State Senate today Aug. 27

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - The California State Senate passed the “Gun Violence Restraining Order” bill (AB 1014), which would allow family members or law enforcement to petition a court to remove firearms from someone temporarily if it is believed the individual poses a possible threat of violence or injury. 

The bill was spearheaded by the California Chapters of the Brady Campaign, which is an advocacy group for sensible gun laws. The bill is also supported by other organizations like the California Partnership to End Domestic Violence, the California State Sheriffs Association, Disability Rights California, the City of Los Angeles, Attorney General Kamala Harris and the California Psychiatric Association. 

Advocates moved forward with the bill, introducing it to the State Senate in May in the wake of the Isla Vista shooting near University of California, Santa Barbara where six students were killed.

Before the shooting occurred, the parents of the shooter had contacted law enforcement and requested assistance because they feared their son posed a serious threat to himself or others. Law enforcement responded that they were unable to do anything because their son did not meet specified criteria for them to intervene.

"Family members are often the first to spot the warning signs when someone is in crisis," said Assemblymember Nancy Skinner. "AB 1014 provides an effective tool to get guns out of the hands of loved ones to avoid these tragedies."

The legislation is similar to California’s domestic violence restraining order law, which provides the individual to challenge the court order.

"This bill would put California at the forefront, and give family members a powerful way to help prevent gun violence before it happens," said State Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson. "Not only will it help keep family members safer, it will help make our communities safer."

The bill will now go to the State Assembly before being signed by Gov. Brown.