Alternative to 'red flag' gun bill likely headed for passage

AUGUSTA — Lawmakers gave preliminary approval Wednesday night to a political compromise that aims to provide police with another tool to confiscate guns from potentially dangerous individuals.

The Senate voted 32-0 and the House 135-9 in support of a bipartisan measure that allows police to take individuals into “protective custody” based on concerns about their mental health and potential to harm themselves or others. If a medical professional agrees an individual poses a threat, police would then order that person to temporarily surrender his or her guns.

The bill, L.D. 1811, faces additional procedural votes late Wednesday. But the strong initial votes suggest it should pass easily and be sent to Gov. Janet Mills, whose administration helped negotiate the compromise.

If passed, it would be the only gun-related measure to survive the legislative process this year.

Read more: https://www.pressherald.com/2019/06/19/alternative-to-red-flag-gun-bill-likely-headed-for-passage/