Calif. Senate To Vote On Gun Violence Bill In Wake Of Isla Vista Shootings

CARPINTERIA (CBSLA.com) — The State Senate Public Safety Committee has passed a bill, in wake of the Isla Vista shootings, that would allow for the temporary removal of firearms from individuals who are at risk for committing violence.

Assembly Bill 1014 was written by Assemblymembers Das Williams (D - Carpinteria) and Nancy Skinner (D - Berkeley).

It establishes a process for obtaining a Gun Violence Restraining Order (GVRO) from a court in order to temporarily limit the individual's access to firearms for one year (unless renewed) when there are warning signs or indications that the person is at risk for violence. Currently, Connecticut, Indiana and Texas have similar laws.

Elliot Rodger, 22, is accused of killing six UCSB students in Isla Vista in May after he posted several YouTube videos "regarding suicide and the killing of people".

COMPLETE COVERAGE: ISLA VISTA RAMPAGE

Veronika Weiss, Katie Cooper and Chris Martinez were fatally shot near campus before Roger reportedly killed himself. His roommates — George Chen, James Cheng and David Wang — were later found stabbed to death at their apartment complex.

The suspect's family was aware their son needed help and he was being treated by "multiple professionals," their attorney said. A social worker was also recently concerned by Rodger's behavior and contacted law enforcement.

"In the recent Isla Vista tragedy, family members saw the warning signs and took action. But they had no legal tools to prevent this mass killing," Williams said. "This is common sense policy. Mentally unstable individuals should not have access to deadly weapons."

The proposed legislation would grant this authority to concerned family members, friends and intimate partners.

Law enforcement would have the ability to investigate threats and ask a judge to grant an order prohibiting the purchase or possession of firearms.

The bill now goes to a full vote in the State Senate.