Wondering what these "red flag" laws are? We have the info you need.

Several states have passed or proposed "red flag" bills in recent years with the stated goal of reducing gun violence. Curious what this legislation is? We were too, so we found the answers.

What is a "red flag" bill?

Here's how Annie Petersen, Director of Officials Research explains it: "Red flag bills are a form of gun control. They allow family members or police to petition a court to order the removal of firearms from someone who is perceived to be a threat to themselves or others. Following the 2018 shooting in Parkland, Florida, many state legislatures have proposed red flag legislation."
 

Have my legislators voted on a "red flag" bill?

We've been tracking instances where a "red flag" bill has passed at least one chamber of the legislature. Here are the states where that's happened in 2018 or 2019 (click on each state to learn more):

Colorado
Connecticut
Hawaii
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
New Jersey
New York
Ohio
Rhode Island
Vermont
See more about guns
 

What about the rest of the country?

See what the 2020 Presidential candidates have said about red flag bills on the campaign trail.

There may be some bipartisan support for national red flag legislation. See what Sen. Lindsey Graham said about a bill last week (scroll down to highlighted text).

You can also see all statements made by congressional legislators about red flag legislation here.

 

The information in this email was compiled by dozens of dedicated researchers working every day to ensure every American has access to free, factual information about those who represent them. Please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to Vote Smart to aid our efforts.

 
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Vote Smart is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that provides accurate information about candidates, elected officials, and key pieces of legislation. By providing information in an easy and accessible manner, Vote Smart believes that citizens can better defend themselves from the questionable rhetoric and misrepresentation that characterizes present-day political campaigns.