A St. Louis lawmaker has filed a bill aimed at temporarily removing firearms from people in the middle of a mental health crisis.
Democratic Representative Steve Butz told Missourinet that the measure would give families and law enforcement a critical tool to prevent tragedies.
“120 days,” said Butz. “That’s the maximum length of time and a resident member of the household, so it’s not an estranged boyfriend or girlfriend or fiancé or somebody who might have a grudge against someone. It’s someone who you actually live with making this request.”
Butz said if this law had been in place, it might have delayed—or even prevented—the 2022 deadly shooting at Central Visual and Performing Arts High School in South St. Louis.
“The weapon he had used had been discovered couple weeks prior by his very own mother at the home where he lived,” said Butz. “She called the police, who came and interviewed the young man, and there was really no legal grounds to confiscate and keep that weapon.”
Butz explained the bill is being received by his Republican colleagues across the aisle.
“I’ve spoken with a couple of my colleagues on the other side that are strong, strong gun advocates,” said Butz. “They did not oppose the bill, but they think the 120 days is too long. So that’s one of those things we’re going to have to hash out in committee or by amendment.”
Butz said during the 120-day period, families or gun owners can present their case in court, and if there’s no immediate danger, the firearm would be returned.
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