Nineteen (19) states and the District of Columbia have enacted Red Flag laws. In general, a Red Flag Law is a gun control law that allows police officers or family members to request that a state court issue an order temporarily taking the firearms from a person who might be a danger to others or to themselves. The order is issued if the gun owner’s statements and actions indicate that they are a threat. The guns are eventually returned to the owner unless another court hearing extends the period of confiscation.
In addition to Washington D.C., the following states have enacted Red Flag Laws:
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Hawaii
Illinois
Indiana
Maryland
Massachusetts
Nevada
New Mexico
New Jersey
New York
Oregon
Rhode Island
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
Washington D.C.
