Assembly Member Santiago Introduces Bill to Expand Red Flag Laws

(Sacramento, CA) – With several recent mass shootings reminding Californians of the urgent need for stronger gun laws, Assembly Member Miguel Santiago (D- Los Angeles) is introducing AB 2870 to expand California’s red flag laws so communities have the tools to fight gun violence.

“When someone who shows clear signs of wanting to hurt people can buy a gun and potentially shoot someone, we need more tools to stop gun violence,” said Assembly Member Santiago. “That’s why we need to expand the State’s red flag laws so people at risk of hurting themselves, their loved ones, and our communities don’t have guns. California will continue to lead the nation in enacting common sense gun laws until our schools and streets are safe.”

One of California’s existing red flag laws, known as a Gun Violence Restraining Order (GVRO), allows immediate family members, employers, coworkers, and others to file a petition with the court to temporarily remove a person’s firearms and prevent them from purchasing new firearms. GVROs are used to prevent a person from hurting themselves or another by removing their access to firearms. Assembly Member Santiago’s bill, AB 2870, will expand the types of people who can file a GVRO.

Assembly Member Miguel Santiago is the Chair of the Assembly Committee on Governmental Organization and Chair of the Assembly Select Committee on Los Angeles County Homelessness. He also sits on the Assembly Committees on Public Safety, Health, Higher Education and Utilities and Energy. He represents the 53rd District composed of the cities of Los Angeles, Huntington Park, and Vernon.