New bill limits access to firearms for people with mental illness
Lawmakers gathered to introduce a piece of legislation with an important name behind it, Beau Biden.
The Beau Biden Gun Violence Protection Act aims to keep firearms out of hands of those with untreated mental health illnesses.
Although this specific bill is new, the concept behind it isn't. This bill actually mirrors legislation that in part was inspired by Sandy Hook back in 2013, but it never made it to the finish line.
The original bill passed in the House 40 to 1 but they couldn't get it passed through the Senate in time.
The man behind the original bill, then Attorney General Beau Biden, hence the new bill's name.
"It's a piece of legislation that is frankly common sense," says Gov. John Carney.
Tuesday Legislative Hall was packed to introduced the Beau Biden Gun Violence Protection Act. A bill that plans on keeping firearms out of the hands of those with mental illness.
"What we're trying to do is utilize our mental health professionals who can diagnose when somebody has become a danger to themselves or others, and then work with law enforcement to intervene, remove the weapons and try to diffuse the situation until the person gets the treatment that they need. Then they'll be able to return their property back to them afterwards," says Rep. David Bentz, lead sponsor of the bill.
Proponents hope will end the mass shootings that have devastated our country one time too many.
"We hear names and it takes us back. Columbine, 12 students and one teacher, Sandy Hook, 20 children, Charleston, nine people, Las Vegas, 58 people and then we had the horrific event in Sutherland Springs since Las Vegas and all mass shootings in between," says House Majority Leader Rep. Valerie Longhurst.
The bill also aims to make sure weapons are taken out of people's hands if mental health professionals believe there is reason to worry.
"We know that the vast majority of people living with serious and persistent mental illness are much more likely to be victims of violent crimes rather than perpetrate violent crimes, however we also know there are warning signs that we must pay attention to," Dr. Kara Odom Walker, DHSS Secretary.
Rep. Bentz says unlike 2013, when the original billed failed, he believes this go around members in both the House and Senate are equipped with the right answers to get it past the finish line.
Another aspect of this bill is the fact that it gives mental health professionals more tools to intervene if they believe their patient is a danger of themselves or others.
