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New York's red flag law to curb gun violence takes effect in two weeks

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In the wake of two mass shootings in El Paso, Texas, and Dayton, Ohio, there's been renewed discussion about states and even the federal government adopting what are known as red flag laws to get guns out of the hands of potential killers.

New York's red flag law was approved last winter and takes effect later this month. 

The measure, also known as an extreme risk protection order law, would allow a judge to order the confiscation of a person's guns if law enforcement, school officials or family members sign a statement saying they believe the person to be a potential danger to themselves or to others. The individual would also be prevented from buying any guns while the order is in effect. 

After authorities take the guns away, a due process hearing would be held, where evidence would be presented, including things the person might have said to others or on social media.  After that, if the judge finds that evidence "clear and convincing," they could extend the protection order for up to one year.

The New York State Legislature approved red flag legislation last winter, and at a late February ceremony attended by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed it into law.

"So when the teacher sees there is a problem, or a family member sees there is a problem and believes that a person could be a danger to themselves or others, they can go to a judge. And say, 'Judge, please do an evaluation,' " Cuomo said on Feb. 25. "It is common sense. If you believe that was going to happen, why would you sit back and do nothing?"

The law takes effect on Aug. 24. 

Twelve other states and Washington, D.C., already have passed extreme risk protection laws. A study found red flag laws in Indiana and Connecticut reduced the occurrence of gun suicides.  

Congress has prevented federal agencies from studying the effects of gun violence, so not much other data is available. 

New York also has another means to keep guns away from potentially dangerous individuals.

Known as the mental health database, it was approved as part of comprehensive gun control measures known as the SAFE Act that was passed in 2013, shortly after the Sandy Hook, Connecticut, school shooting. 

The provision requires mental health professionals in New York to notify authorities if they think a patient might engage in conduct that would result in serious harm to themselves or others. The list is maintained by Cuomo's Division of Criminal Justice Services.  

Cuomo talked about the provision this week on Rochester public radio station WXXI with "Connections" host Megan Mack.

"Just to show you what it's accomplished," Cuomo said, "we now have 100,000 seriously mentally ill people on the mental health database that could have bought a gun in New York, Megan, who can't now buy a gun because we have a mental health database."

The requirement is controversial among some mental health advocates, who say someone could end up on the list simply for discussing their symptoms with a medical professional.    

Cuomo wants to extend the database to the rest of the country. He's asked the Democratic presidential candidates to endorse the proposal, as well as a ban on assault weapons and universal background checks for gun buyers.

Karen DeWitt is Capitol Bureau chief for the New York Public News Network, composed of a dozen newsrooms across the state. She has covered state government and politics for the network since 1990.
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