State lawmakers hold public hearings on two gun bills, including "red flag" bill

AUGUSTA, Maine (WABI) - Two proposed gun laws drew a crowd at the State Capitol Monday.

People weighed in on a "red flag" bill that would let police, family, or household members ask the court for a temporary protection order if they believe a person is at risk of hurting themselves or others.

"This bill is about allowing the people who care about a person in crisis to keep that person, and the rest of us, safe," said bill sponsor Sen. Rebecca Millett, D-Cape Elizabeth.

If the judge finds probable cause, the individual would have their guns taken away for two weeks.

During that time, the person would have a hearing to determine if an extended one-year protection order is necessary.

Millett says the Parkland High School shooting made her even more passionate about this issue.

"The red flag bill has been shown to be an effective measure to allow family or law enforcement to take action when they see somebody who is in crisis, when no other tools are available," said Millett. "This is common sense legislation. It's something that Republican and Democratic governors have signed."