Republican lawmakers in Augusta are putting pressure on Democrats to hold a public hearing for a red flag law before it appears on the state ballot in November.

The law makes it easier for family members to have firearms taken away from people in crisis who may pose a risk to themselves or others.

Republican leaders say Democrats are violating state law by refusing to hold a hearing on the referendum.

Republican Rep. Trey Stewart said Thursday his party will try to force the issue through floor votes if Democrats don’t decide to hold a hearing.