In the wake of the mass shootings in Gilroy, Dayton and El Paso, which left 35 dead and dozens more injured, the country is once again reeling from gun-related violence.

President Trump responded by reiterating his call for passage of a 'red flag' law (also known as Extreme Risk Protective Orders or ERPOs), a policy that would temporarily remove firearms from people in crisis who pose a dangerous threat to themselves or others. 

ERPOs are evidence-based policy shown to significantly reduce suicide. They also prevent other gun deaths and injuries, such as mass shootings. 16 states and the District of Columbia have already passed red flag laws, often in the wake of a mass shooting.

Utah has proposed its own ERPO law, a strong measure that protects Second Amendment rights while saving lives and helping people in crisis get the behavioral health treatment they need. The measure was developed with input from a huge number of stakeholders, including mental health, suicide prevention, law enforcement, courts, domestic violence prevention and gun owners.

It's time for Utah lawmakers to pass Utah's red flag bill to prevent firearm deaths in Utah.