WHAT THE BILL WOULD DO 

Phil Ting’s AB 61 would give coworkers, teachers and school staff the right to ask a judge to order the firearms removed from someone if they are believed to be a threat to themselves or others. The removal period can last up to 21 days before the subject of the order is given an opportunity to appeal the decision. Currently, only immediate family members and law enforcement officers have that power.

WHO SUPPORTS IT? 

A coalition of gun-control advocacy groups, state and local law enforcement agencies and public health groups.

WHO’S OPPOSED?

Predictably, gun rights groups like the National Rifle Association. Less predictably, the American Civil Liberties Union.

WHY IT MATTERS 

California was the first state to introduce a so-called red flag law in 2014. Five years (and countless mass shootings later) 16 states have followed suit. In the wake of massacres in El Paso, Dayton and Gilroy, President Trump himself has suggested he would be open to a national red flag law.

GOVERNOR’S CALL  

Newsom has made his support for tougher gun laws (and his opposition to the gun rights lobby) one of his calling cards. He signed this legislation Oct. 11, 2019, along with a package of gun control bills.