That's what I said

Saturday, I discussed the Illinois Senate passage of SB 940, a bill to require the inclusion of mental health records in the information provided to the FBI for NICS checks. I pointed out that the main effect of the bill, requiring such data to be included even in cases of outpatient care, if the patient is determined to be "a danger to himself or others," makes no sense. If he is so dangerously mentally ill, why is he not being committed?

Apparently, I'm not the only one who finds this rather odd. University of Chicago law professor Mark Heyrman is similarly puzzled by this illogic.

HEYRMAN: If it comes to the attention of a mental health provider that someone is a clear and present danger to themselves or others, that provider files a commitment petition unless they can talk the person into going voluntarily. This is a nonsensical bill.

He says the bill as its worded now contradicts itself and would not be effective.

I suppose passing this kind of legislation is easier than looking for actual solutions.