WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) joined Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and 14 colleagues in introducing the Extreme Risk Protection Order Expansion Act, legislation to prevent people who are in crisis from accessing deadly weapons. The bill would establish grants to support the implementation of extreme risk protection (ERPO) laws, also known as “red flag” laws, at the state and local levels, and extend federal firearms restrictions to people subject to ERPOs, giving law enforcement the tools to remove access to firearms from people who are considered a danger to themselves or others.
“Far too many people have been and continue to be impacted by this country’s gun violence epidemic, and this commonsense gun safety legislation will help to minimize harm throughout our communities by removing access to firearms from people who are a danger to themselves and others,” said Senator Hirono. “Extreme Risk Protection Orders save lives, and by preventing at-risk individuals from accessing these deadly weapons, this bill will help to protect them and those who surround them.”
The legislation is supported by a number of organizations including Brady, GIFFORDS, Sandy Hook Promise Action Fund, and Everytown for Gun Safety.
In addition to Senators Hirono and Blumenthal, this legislation is also cosponsored by Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Patty Murray (D-WA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Tina Smith (D-MN), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).
The full text of the legislation is available here.
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