States with Red Flag Laws
States with Red Flag Laws
Here are the states that have enacted red flag laws:
California
California was the first state to pass a red flag law in 2014, after the Isla Vista shooting near the University of California, Santa Barbara. The law allows family members and law enforcement officials to petition for the temporary seizure of firearms from individuals who pose a threat to themselves or others.
Colorado
Colorado passed its red flag law in 2019, after the Aurora shooting in 2012 and the STEM School Highlands Ranch shooting in 2019. The law allows family members and law enforcement officials to petition for the temporary seizure of firearms from individuals who pose a threat to themselves or others.
Connecticut
Connecticut passed its red flag law in 1999, after the Columbine High School shooting in 1999. The law allows family members and law enforcement officials to petition for the temporary seizure of firearms from individuals who pose a threat to themselves or others.
Delaware
Delaware passed its red flag law in 2018, after the Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in 2018. The law allows family members and law enforcement officials to petition for the temporary seizure of firearms from individuals who pose a threat to themselves or others.
Florida
Florida passed its red flag law in 2018, after the Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in 2018. The law allows family members and law enforcement officials to petition for the temporary seizure of firearms from individuals who pose a threat to themselves or others.
Hawaii
Hawaii passed its red flag law in 2019. The law allows family members and law enforcement officials to petition for the temporary seizure of firearms from individuals who pose a threat to themselves or others.
Illinois
Illinois passed its red flag law in 2018, after the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida. The law allows family members and law enforcement officials to petition for the temporary seizure of firearms from individuals who pose a threat to themselves or others.
Indiana
Indiana passed its red flag law in 2019. The law allows family members and law enforcement officials to petition for the temporary seizure of firearms from individuals who pose a threat to themselves or others.
Maryland
Maryland passed its red flag law in 2018, after the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida. The law allows family members and law enforcement officials to petition for the temporary seizure of firearms from individuals who pose a threat to themselves or others.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts passed its red flag law in 2018, after the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida. The law allows family members and law enforcement officials to petition for the temporary seizure of firearms from individuals who pose a threat to themselves or others.
New Jersey
New Jersey passed its red flag law in 2018, after the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida. The law allows family members and law enforcement officials to petition for the temporary seizure of firearms from individuals who pose a threat to themselves or others.
New York
New York passed its red flag law in 2019, after the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida. The law allows family members and law enforcement officials to petition for the temporary seizure of firearms from individuals who pose a threat to themselves or others.
Oregon
Oregon passed its red flag law in 2018, after the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida. The law allows family members and law enforcement officials to petition for the temporary seizure of firearms from individuals who pose a threat to themselves or others.
Rhode Island
Rhode Island passed its red flag law in 2018, after the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida. The law allows family members and law enforcement officials to petition for the temporary seizure of firearms from individuals who pose a threat to themselves or others.
Vermont
Vermont passed its red flag law in 2018, after the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida. The law allows family members and law enforcement officials to petition for the temporary seizure of firearms from individuals who pose a threat to themselves or others.
Virginia
Virginia passed its red flag law in 2020, after a mass shooting in Virginia Beach in 2019. The law allows family members and law enforcement officials to petition for the temporary seizure of firearms from individuals who pose a threat to themselves or others.
Washington
Washington passed its red flag law in 2016. The law allows family members and law enforcement officials to petition for the temporary seizure of firearms from individuals who pose a threat to themselves or others.
West Virginia
West Virginia passed its red flag law in 2019. The law allows family members and law enforcement officials to petition for the temporary seizure of firearms from individuals who pose a threat to themselves or others.
Wisconsin
Wisconsin passed its red flag law in 2018, after the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida. The law allows family members and law enforcement officials to petition for the temporary seizure of firearms from individuals who pose a threat to themselves or others.
Pros and Cons of Red Flag Laws
Pros
- Can prevent gun violence
- Can save lives
- Can provide an early warning system for potential mass shootings
- Can protect law enforcement officials from danger
Cons
- Can infringe on Second Amendment rights
- Can be abused by individuals with malicious intent
- Can be difficult to enforce
- Can be subject to bias and discrimination
FAQ
What is a red flag law?
A red flag law allows law enforcement officials to temporarily seize firearms from individuals who pose a danger to themselves or others.
How do red flag laws work?
Family members or law enforcement officials can petition a court to issue an Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO), which allows law enforcement officials to temporarily seize firearms from individuals who pose a threat.
What states have red flag laws?
As of 2021, 19 states and the District of Columbia have passed red flag laws.
Do red flag laws violate the Second Amendment?
Some critics argue that red flag laws violate Second Amendment rights, while supporters argue that they can prevent gun violence and save lives.
Conclusion
Red flag laws are a controversial issue in the United States, with supporters arguing that they can prevent gun violence and save lives, while critics argue that they can infringe on Second Amendment rights and be subject to abuse. As of 2021, 19 states and the District of Columbia have passed red flag laws, with more states considering similar legislation.