BRADY ORANGE COUNTY

VICTORY!

GOVERNOR BROWN SIGNED AB 1014 INTO LAW

AB 1014 (Skinner) advances the Brady Campaign’s core mission of reducing firearm injury and death by keeping firearms out of dangerous hands. The law establishes a process for law enforcement or immediate family members to obtain a Gun Violence Restraining Order from a court in order to temporarily limit an individual’s access to firearms when there are warning signs or indications that the person is at risk for violence. The court order would prohibit the purchase or possession of firearms while the order is in effect. AB 1014 provides a way to prevent homicide, suicide and injury by removing firearms before a tragedy occurs.

There are many people who may be in a state of dangerousness but do not have a firearm prohibition. Heightened anger, despondence, substance abuse, or a mental or emotional crises combined with access to firearms can be a deadly combination. Family members or law enforcement often know when a person is at severe risk of harming him or herself or others and AB 1014 gives them a legal means to petition the court for a temporary firearm prohibition. The mass shooters in Tucson, Aurora, and Isla Vista did not have a criminal or mental health prohibition from owning a firearm; family members and others were concerned, but without a law like AB 1014, they had no legal tool to enable disarming the men before the shootings.

The consistent presence of the California Brady Campaign in the state capitol, along with their well-established relationships and reputation for respect, hard work, and policy knowledge made the California Brady Campaign instrumental in the passage of AB 1014. Their lead-off testimony was critical for getting AB 1014 out of the first policy committee. Key legislators were lobbied throughout the summer. The 25 California Brady Chapters garnered endorsements from a broad and diverse group of supporters and mobilized advocates in their own communities to contact legislators and Governor Brown, helping to secure the ultimate passage and signing of the bill.