Disarming the mentally ill

In response to an Isla Vista shooting that left six people dead in May, the California Senate recently passed legislation to restrict mentally ill individuals’ access to guns.

Under current state law, only individuals who have been involuntarily committed to a mental health facility can be banned from buying firearms, while guns can be seized only if a licensed therapist notifies police that a patient is a threat to his or her own or others’ safety; they have been convicted of a felony or a violent misdemeanor; or they are under a domestic violence restraining order.

On May 23, Elliot Rodgers killed six and injured 13 in a shooting and stabbing spree, after his family had contacted law enforcement with concerns about his mental state. Police determined Rodgers didn’t pose a risk.

Assembly Bill 104, passed by the Senate on Aug. 27, would allow family members or friends to request a temporary restraining order to prevent an individual from purchasing or possessing firearms.

The bill now heads to the Assembly for a vote on amendments.