Still, proponents of the measure assert it will make Californians safer.
If safety were the genuine concern, waiting periods would be hardly heard of. After all, violent criminals are not troubled by these any more than they are background checks or storage laws.
There is a light on the horizon however, and it comes from the state of Montana. A brilliant report from WXXI News highlighted the move by lawmakers that may make a difference.
Most gun deaths come from suicides, a fact that is deeply disturbing and cries out for a solution. The outlet told of the efforts of one man in the state where almost nine out of 10 gun deaths are suicides.
That rate is second only to Wyoming. The national average is 60%.
That man is Mike Hossfeld. In his home he has a heavy steel door that guards his gun safe room. His collection ranges from the latest in modern technology to weapons more than a century old.
And some of the firearms he stores are not his own. They are the property of others who are experiencing a personal crisis or just a tough patch. Hossfeld works to separate them from their firearms for a short period, short but long enough to diminish the risk of suicide.
His inspiration came during a conversation with a National Guard commander in the 1980s. The military colleague spoke of suicide, and Hossfeld acted on impulse and may have saved a life.
“We carried our sidearms in a shoulder holster. So, I just walked over and took the strap off, and said I was going to store his weapon for him in my toolbox,” he remembered.
The commander thankfully recovered and was grateful to get his firearm back. That, Hossfeld declared, is the basis for a new Montana law that took effect earlier this year.
The goal of the statute is to enable people to assist friends dealing with a mental health issue and separate them from their weapons until they seek help and recover. Protection is granted to those who store firearms for others from the potentially massive legal liabilities if harm is then done to themselves or others.
There are reasons states enact Good Samaritan laws. There is an inherent legal risk in coming to the aid of another even with the obvious best intentions. People have been dragged into court for rendering assistance after an accident, and this could have a detrimental effect on the willingness of others to intervene in a life-threatening situation.
The Montana law is intended to encourage people to offer to store weapons for others in crisis situations. It also urges gun stores and shooting ranges to offer a similar service to their clients.
There are even Montana public health officials who are constructing maps to show gun owners where they may find storage for their weapons at these times.
The report further highlighted the efforts of Lewis and Clark County Suicide Prevention Coordinator Jess Hegstrom. She frequents area gun shows and sets up a booth to talk to attendees about a subject most would likely want to avoid. Suicide.
“I have like little guns on my earrings,” she said. “I’m cool. I’m friendly. I’m not here to waggle my finger at you.”
Instead of a lecture, Hegstrom converses with people about difficult conversations with family and friends over storing firearms for someone at risk. While some shy away from the delicate conversation, many appreciate her efforts.
“Sometimes it’s really well received because people do worry about this topic, and they don’t always know what to do.”
Hegstrom is one of the officials cobbling together a safe storage map to identify locations where those experiencing difficulties may find assistance. And now, thanks to the new Montana law, that assistance does not come with the risk of legal liability.
That is truly a step forward.
