A new gun law officially takes effect Saturday in New York state.

New York is the latest state to implement a red flag law, which is aimed at taking away firearms from people who are deemed by courts to be a threat to themselves or others.

Law enforcement officials, family members of school officials must first petition the courts to seize guns from someone who they think might be dangerous.

The petition would need to be accompanied by evidence and a hearing would be held. If the person is determined to be a threat, a protection order would be issued, keeping that person from owning or purchasing a firearm for up to one year.

The gun owner has the right to appeal that decision.

Some say the law infringes on Second Amendment rights, but others including Dix Hills resident Linda Beigel-Schulman, whose son Scott was killed in the Parkland school shooting, says this measure will save lives.

Across the U.S., 16 other states have similar red flag laws. New York's law, however, is the first in the nation to empower teachers to take action.

In a statement, Gov. Andrew Cuomo says, “This is a big step forward for common sense gun safety, and it is time for the federal government to follow New York's lead…Stop kowtowing to the NRA. Enact a national Red Flag Law now. Lives depend on it."