But the bill also would allow family members and school officials to take action when they fear someone could be violent.

Petitioners would have to provide evidence to back up their requests.

In deciding whether to issue an order, a judge would have to look at factors such as whether the person has a pattern of violence or threats of violence; a history of serious mental illness, domestic violence or other protection orders; a history of stalking; or threats to commit “suicide by cop.”

If approved, an extreme risk protection order would require the person to surrender all firearms within 48 hours and would revoke all existing firearm permits. The order could last up to 12 months, but could be extended.

Such a “red-flag” law might have prevented the 2007 Von Maur shooting in Omaha that left nine people dead, including the 19-year-old gunman, an Omaha police sergeant said at the bill’s hearing. The gunman had a history of mental illness.

Megan Gentrup, with the Nebraska chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, praised the committee’s action Wednesday. She said it would make families, friends and communities safer from gun violence.