Mental health screenings key in ME’s ‘yellow flag’ approach to gun violence prevention

In the wake of the mass shootings in Lewiston, Maine, the state's unique “yellow flag” law—designed to restrict firearm access for individuals in mental health crisis—has seen a dramatic surge in use, signaling a shift toward more proactive intervention by law enforcement.
Twenty-one states currently have “red flag” laws; these court orders temporarily prohibit individuals deemed to be a danger to themselves or others from purchasing or carrying firearms. Maine’s yellow flag law is unique in that it requires individuals to be taken into protective custody by law enforcement and given a mental health evaluation before confiscation. If a mental health professional determines the person is a threat, law enforcement can then petition for a temp...