California Legislative Update - 8/17/01

Monday, August 20, marks the last month of the California legislative session, and a host of controversial bills await hearings. While a number of measures have become two-year bills, several that adversely affect the firearms community are slated to be heard (see below). The final days of session are typically marked by last minute maneuvers and rule waivers, which is why it`s imperative that you keep a watchful eye on the progress of firearm-related bills. NRA will keep you up-to-date as events unfold at the Capitol through our e-mail and fax alert system. For a detailed description of these bills, log onto Official California Legislative Information.

• AB 22 (Lowenthal) - This bill seeks to prohibit a local licensing authority from issuing a permit to sell firearms from residential dwellings with a population of less than 100,000, after January 2004, unless the applicant is a gunsmith or has been issued a license prior to January 2002. This bill also seeks to prohibit the issuance of permits to sell machine guns out of residential dwellings.
  To be heard in the Senate Appropriations Committee on August 20.

• AB 35 (Shelley) - This bill seeks to require an individual who wishes to purchase a handgun to first obtain a license and undergo a series of tests, including a written test, safe handling, and shooting proficiency test, as well as supply a thumb print.
  To be heard in the Senate Appropriations Committee on August 20.

• SB 52 (Scott) - This measure seeks to mandate that an individual who wishes to purchase, loan, or transfer a handgun must first obtain a license and pass a written test and a safe handling demonstration.
  To be heard in Assembly Appropriations Committee possibly on August 22.

• SB 510 (Scott) - This bill seeks to require that all semiautomatic pistols manufactured or imported into this state for sale after January 2003 include a chamber loaded indicator and/or a detachable magazine disconnect mechanism.
  To be heard in Assembly Appropriations Committee on August 22.

It is vital that NRA members, friends, and family continue to keep the pressure on in opposition to these bills during these last days of session. Thank you for your support!

Contact the Committees below about these bills!

Senate Appropriations Committee
Assembly Appropriations Committee
Senate Public Safety Committee
Assembly Public Safety Committee