BOSTON — Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker has signed a bill that will allow for the temporary removal of firearms from people considered a danger to themselves or others.
The new law lets a relative or someone else with close ties to a legal gun owner petition a court for a 12-month extreme risk protection order if the individual is exhibiting dangerous or unstable behavior.
The individual can appeal the decision.
The so-called “red flag” bill was given final approval by the Massachusetts House and Senate last week.
Baker, a Republican, said the new law will help prevent gun deaths and suicides while protecting Second Amendment rights.
The new law also creates a licensing procedure for stun guns in Massachusetts after the state’s highest court ruled a blanket ban on the devices was unconstitutional.