Calif. May Expand Gun Violence Restraining Order Law

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) – California lawmakers are taking steps to let school employees ask judges to temporarily strip gun rights from potentially dangerous people.

The state Assembly passed a bill Monday that would allow school employees and co-workers to request gun violence restraining orders against people who show warning signs of violence.

California is one of a handful of states that already allow immediate family members and police to request such restraining orders.

Democratic lawmakers supporting the bill invoked the Friday shooting at Santa Fe High School in Texas that killed 10. Some Republicans say they worry the bill wouldn’t give gun owners enough opportunity to defend themselves in court if a restraining order is requested against them.

The bill passed on a 46-23 vote and now heads to the state Senate.