House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda

On February 14, 2018, Nikolas Cruz opened fire in Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, killing 14 students and three teachers. Cruz had a history of criminal behavior which suggested mental illness, but he was never involuntarily committed to receive mental health treatment. In the Commonwealth, individuals who have been involuntarily committed to receive mental health treatment may not possess a firearm. However, individuals who receive mental health treatment on an outpatient basis may still possess a firearm.

This discrepancy leaves residents of the Commonwealth in danger of firearm violence from individuals who should not be permitted to possess a firearm. For this reason, my legislation would require that individuals who are ordered to receive outpatient mental health treatment would be prohibited from possessing a firearm until the court finds that the individual is no longer a danger to himself or herself or to others. Please join me in co-sponsoring this important legislation to help prevent or limit harm to the general public and law enforcement officers, as well as preventing mentally ill individuals from causing serious bodily harm to themselves.