Member of California Assembly Evan Lu intends to eliminate a serious gap in gun laws. The official suggested that to deprive mentally ill people access to guns.
He proposed on Wednesday bill No. 1968 involves a lifetime ban on the possession of firearms for people who are a threat to themselves and others and got on compulsory treatment in a psychiatric clinic more than two times per year.
Until now, these patients have lost their right to a pistol or shotgun for just five years, and staff of institutions for the mentally ill had the right to submit on their behalf, petitions for the return of weapons. If approved, the initiative Lou will put an end to this rule, carrying a threat to society.
The law was supported by the Association of district attorneys of the state. «This measure will make California a safer place», — are convinced of the organization.
The author of the initiative hopes to reduce the number of suicides using the new law.
«Studies show that suicide by gun is the most common and by far the most deadly method. One fact of a firearm is enough to trigger a suicide. Bill No. 1968 toughens our laws, taking guns out of the hands of potential suicide victims and aggressors. Restricting access to firearms may save lives,» he said.
Today in California, as in the vast majority of States do not require proof of a mental disorder from the buyer of the guns. It is enough to reach the age of 18-21 years (depending on the type of weapon), wait 10 days before buying and not to go back to the gun shop for a new acquisition less than one month.
