Mike Thompson and others mark new measures to federal Extreme Risk Protection Order Act – Times Herald Online

Congressman Mike Thompson helps load more than 300 guns collected during a gun buyback at the Solano County Fairgrounds. (Chris Riley/Times-Herald file)

On Wednesday, Gun Violence Prevention Task Force Chair Mike Thompson (CA-04), Rep. Lucy McBath (GA-07), Vice Chair Joe Neguse (CO-02), Rep. Bobby Scott (VA-03), and Rep. Robin Kelly (IL-02) held a press conference on Rep. McBath’s motion to dismiss under the Federal Extreme Risk Protection Order Act (HR 3018).

The goal of HR 3018 is to create nationwide access to extreme risk protective orders through federal courts, improve implementation of existing state extreme risk laws, and encourage more states to adopt these laws by providing grants to states with laws that meet certain standards.

“Extreme risk protection orders save lives by giving law enforcement and concerned family and friends a means to disarm someone who poses a danger to themselves or others,” Thompson said. “California was one of the first states to enact a red flag law in 2016, and it has already prevented 58 mass shootings. It only makes sense to put HR 3018 on the ballot to ensure these laws are implemented nationwide.”

McBath agreed.

“Today’s announcement is the next step in our mission to save as many lives as possible through common sense action,” McBath said. “Extreme risk shelter orders are already saving lives in Republican and Democratic states, allowing law enforcement and family members to intervene before it’s too late. My bill will expand these protections from coast to coast, giving every American another tool to keep their community safe. Our gun-sense Democratic Caucus will continue to pursue every possible legislative solution to save lives.”