Named after former Fall River mayor, Flanagan’s Law filed to protect public safety and prevent violent mental health failures

Boston, MA — According to a release, a new public safety bill known as Flanagan’s Law has been filed to help protect communities and prevent violent incidents involving individuals with severe mental illness and long criminal histories from falling through the cracks.

The legislation was drafted after Will Flanagan, former Mayor of Fall River and local business owner, who was allegedly brutally attacked and stabbed by a violent, mentally ill individual with an extensive criminal record. The incident exposed serious gaps in how state agencies share information about dangerous individuals who pose a clear risk to the public.

Flanagan’s Law would create a secure, centralized information system allowing law enforcement, courts, probation, parole, and mental health professionals to better coordinate care, supervision, and intervention for individuals who have demonstrated violent behavior linked to severe mental illness.

“This is about common sense and public safety,” said Will Flanagan. “We already track sex offenders because we know the danger of letting known threats slip through the cracks. This law follows that same logic — not to punish, but to protect and prevent.”

The bill is designed to:

Improve communication between state and local agencies

Help identify high-risk individuals earlier

Ensure proper treatment, supervision, and follow-up

Prevent future acts of violence before they happen

Flanagan emphasized that the law is not about stigma, but accountability and prevention.

“This is not about demonizing mental illness,” Flanagan said. “Most people with mental illness are not violent. But when someone has a documented history of violence, criminal behavior, and severe mental health issues, the system has a responsibility to act. My hope is that this law saves lives — including the lives of the people who need help the most.”

State Representative Alan Silvia, who filed the legislation, voiced strong support.

“This bill is about protecting working families, first responders, and everyday people who just want to live their lives safely,” said Representative Alan Silvia. “Flanagan’s Law brings agencies together, improves oversight, and puts public safety first while respecting civil rights and due process.”

The legislation includes strict privacy protections, clear rules for inclusion and removal, and oversight to ensure fairness and accountability. The goal is coordination, not punishment — making sure warning signs are seen and addressed before tragedy occurs.

Flanagan concluded, “No one should have to be attacked before the system works. If this law prevents even one family from going through what I went through, it’s worth it.”

Flanagan’s Law is expected to move forward in the current legislative session.