US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and Representative Judy Chu have announced the introduction of their Fair Legal Access Grants, or F.L.A.G. Act.
The measure relates to red flag petitions, which can be filed by law enforcement, community members and health care professionals to help get guns out of the hands of troubled or dangerous individuals. Unfortunately the lengthy and expensive legal process may deter people from seeing their petition through, and as a result those same troubled individuals stay armed.
The F.L.A.G. Act would ensure any person filing a red flag petition has access to the legal representation, counsel, and resources needed to be heard and successfully file an emergency order of protection.
The F.L.A.G. Act would provide $50 million in annual funding to states and local governments to provide access to legal counsel and other legal services.
