Law Speeds Up Reporting Process for Gun Restrictions for Mentally Ill
A new California law (AB 1591) requires courts to tell the state Department of Justice within one business day when an individual is prohibited from possessing a firearm because of mental illness or other issues, the Los Angeles Times' "PolitiCal" reports.
Details of Bill
Gov. Jerry Brown (D) on Friday signed AB 1591, by Assembly member K.H. Achadjian (R-San Luis Obispo). According to "PolitiCal," the bill was prompted by a 2013 report by the state auditor that found the California DOJ was not receiving timely notification from courts when an individual became barred from having a firearm.
The new law requires courts to report individuals who are banned from possessing a firearm because of:
- Certain felony or misdemeanor convictions; or
- Mental health reasons.
The bill also requires courts to alert the state DOJ within one business day when an individual is no longer prohibited from having a firearm (Mason, "PolitiCal," Los Angeles Times, 7/18).
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