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MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — New gun laws taking effect in Alabama are supposed to make it more difficult for the mentally ill to buy firearms.
The new laws took effect this week.
They require that state probate court judges report to law enforcement every person they commit for involuntary mental health treatment. Under federal law, anyone involuntarily committed for treatment cannot buy a gun.
People forced to receive treatment can appeal to have their gun ownership rights reinstated.
State judges must also report anyone found not guilty of a crime because of mental illness or a mental defect.
State Rep. Chris England of Tuscaloosa told Al.com (http://bit.ly/1JBaAUE ) that the new laws align Alabama law with federal law.
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Information from Al.com, http://www.al.com
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