The origins of California’s Gun Violence Restraining Order law
An analysis using Kingdon’s Multiple Streams framework
Quick Summary
- As the recently enacted “Bipartisan Safer Communities Act” provides $750 million in incentives to states that implement crisis intervention services, including ERPO laws, results from this case study may inform other states seeking to implement such polic
Abstract
Background
Firearm violence is a major public health problem in the United States, yet most states lack a mechanism to temporarily remove firearms from individuals who are at high and imminent risk of harming themselves or others and are not otherwise prohibited. Extreme risk protection order (ERPO) laws are intended to close this gap. The current study examines the passage of California’s gun violence restraining order (GVRO) bill using Kingdon’s multiple streams framework.
Methods
This study was based on an analysis of interview data from six key informants involved in the passage of the GVRO legislation.
Results
Findings indicate policy entrepreneurs framed the problem and designed the policy to target individuals at behavioral risk of imminent firearm violence. Policy entrepreneurs comprised an integrated policy network that engaged in a lengthy period of collaboration and bargained with interest groups to yield a bill that satisfied diverse concerns.
Conclusions
This case study may inform efforts in other states to pass ERPO policies and other firearm safety laws.
Media Resources
- Read the study in BMC Public Health
- View the visual abstract