This week, more anti-gun bills were sent to Governor Jerry Brown for his consideration. Assembly Bill 2333 passed in the Assembly by a vote of 45 to 29, Assembly Bill 2460 passed in the state Senate by a vote of 21 to 16 and Senate Bill 1366 also passed in the state Senate by a vote of 22 to 15. Senate Bill 1315 is already awaiting the Governor’s consideration and action. Please contact Governor Jerry Brown and urge him to VETO SB 1315, AB 2333, AB 2460 and SB 1366. Let Governor Brown know these anti-gun bills will do nothing to stop criminal activity and only stop California’s law-abiding citizens from exercising their Second Amendment rights. Governor Jerry Brown can be reached at 916-445-2841 and by e-mail here.
Senate Bill 1315 – Local Regulation of Firearms
SB 1315, introduced by anti-gun extremist state Senator Kevin de León (D-22), is just a stepping stone to completely destroying California’s firearms preemption law. Such firearms preemption laws are in place to standardize firearm laws across the state. SB 1315 would authorize Los Angeles County to enact and enforce an ordinance that is stricter than state law regarding the manufacture, sale, possession or use of any BB device, toy gun, replica of a firearm, or other device that is so substantially similar in coloration and overall appearance to an existing firearm as to lead a reasonable person to perceive that the device is a firearm and that expels a projectile that is no more than 16 millimeters in diameter.
Assembly Bill 2333 – Liability for negligent storage of BB, airsoft and other toy guns
AB 2333, introduced by Assemblyman Jose Solorio (D-69), as amended, would expand California’s negligent storage law to any person who knowingly or reasonably should have known that a minor is likely to gain access to a BB device without the permission of the minor’s parents or legal guardian and the minor carries the BB device in a public place. The definition of “public place” includes “A front yard, driveaway, doorway or entrance to a building or dwelling.” If a minor possesses a “BB device” that is visible from your own private property YOU and YOUR CHILD HAVE COMMITTED A CRIME. Violators would be subject to a civil penalty and/or community service. AB 2333 would impose an unnecessary and potentially severe criminal liability on everyday toys (not just BB guns and pellet guns) leading to severe penalties.
Assembly Bill 2460 – Ban of Law Enforcement Transfer of Firearms
AB 2460, introduced by Assemblyman Roger Dickinson (D-9), would ban law enforcement officers from transferring handguns that are not on California’s approved “roster” to anyone but law enforcement officers. Currently, California law allows for the transfer of firearms that are not on the approved "roster" to be transferred to law-abiding civilians. These transfers must go through a licensed firearms dealer and are only transferred when the new civilian owner has passed a criminal background check.
Senate Bill 1366 – Lost and Stolen Reporting of Firearms
SB 1366, introduced by state Senator Mark DeSaulnier (D-7), would require every person to report the theft or loss of a firearm he or she owns or possesses to a local law enforcement agency in the jurisdiction in which the theft or loss occurred within 48 hours of the time he or she knew or reasonably should have known that the firearm had been stolen or lost. Law-abiding gun owners should not be made a victim twice.
There are still several anti-gun/anti-hunting bills that are expected to come up for their final reading next week in the state Senate. It is IMPERATIVE that you, your family, friends, fellow gun owners and sportsmen call AND e-mail your state Senator TODAY and respectfully urge him or her to OPPOSE ALL pending anti-gun legislation. Respectfully let them know that law-abiding citizens are the only ones who are affected by these anti-gun bills. Enacting these restrictive and misguided laws would not stop crime or criminals.
On the Senate floor for final consideration: Please contact your state Senator IMMEDIATELY and respectfully urge him or her to OPPOSE SB 1221, AB 1527, AB 2512 and AJR 45. Contact information for your state Senator can be found here.
Senate Bill 1221 – Hunting Ban
SB 1221, introduced by state Senator Ted Lieu (D-28), would ban hunting bears and bobcats with dogs. Hunting with dogs is a tradition that continues to be practiced across the country. Many dog breeds with select characteristics for hunting can be traced back for thousands of years. Seventeen states allow bear hunting with dogs. The use of hounds for hunting has never been shown to have an adverse impact on wildlife numbers. Biologists and other wildlife experts determine regulations and bag limits, just as they do with other hunting seasons.
Assembly Bill 1527 – Open Carry Ban (of unloaded long gun)
AB 1527, introduced by Assemblyman Anthony Portantino (D-44), would expand on last year’s ban on open carrying of an unloaded handgun to also include unloaded rifles and shotguns.
Assembly Bill 2512 – ammunition registration/large capacity ammunition magazine ban
AB 2512, introduced by Assemblyman Nancy Skinner (D-14), would make it a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of not more than $1,000 or imprisonment in a county jail not to exceed six months, or both, to knowingly manufacture, import, keep for sale, offer or expose for sale, or give or lend, any device that is capable of converting an ammunition feeding device into a large-capacity magazine. AB 2512 would also require any vendor in California who sells, supplies, delivers, or gives possession of more than 1000 rounds of ammunition to any individual within any five consecutive day period shall report the transaction to the local law enforcement agency where that individual resides within 24 hours of the transaction. Failure to comply would result in a fine of not more than $1,000 or imprisonment in a county jail not to exceed six months, or by both.
Assembly Joint Resolution 45 – Reinstatement of Federal Assault Weapons Ban
AJR 45, introduced by state Assemblyman Mike Feuer (D-42), would urge the President to reinstate the Federal "Assault Weapons" Ban.