According to the Brady Campaign’s national ranking of state gun control laws, California is already THE “best” (most restrictive) state in the nation and has already banned pseudo "assault weapons." So, even though California is considered the most restrictive state, anti-gun Senate Democrats in Sacramento think imposing more bans on currently legal semi-automatic firearms will reduce their violent crime problem where current gun control laws have failed.
Do you currently legally own a Ruger 10-22, Mini 14, Marlin Camp Carbine, Remington 742 and/or any other semi-automatic, rimfire and/or centerfire rifle that accepts an ammunition magazine? If you do, then the anti-gun Senate Democrats think you are a criminal and believe you should have to register that rifle or surrender it.
On Wednesday, Senate Bill 374 was introduced by state Senate President Darryl Steinberg, Senator Loni Hancock and Senator Leland Yee. This is one of the most sweeping anti-gun bills that has been introduced in California. SB 374 changes the definition of assault weapon to include VIRTUALLY ALL semi-automatic rimfire and centerfire rifles that do not have a fixed magazine as an "assault weapon" and it does not stop there.
SB 374 also requires a person who, between January 1, 2001, and prior to January 1, 2014, lawfully possesses an "assault weapon" that does not have a fixed magazine, including those weapons with an ammunition feeding device that can be removed readily from the firearm with the use of a tool, to register that firearm by July 1, 2014.
Also, SB 374 requires, on and after July 1, 2014, a Firearm Ownership Record to be submitted to the state Department of Justice (DOJ) for every firearm an individual owns, with prescribed exceptions, including firearms purchased from a licensed firearms dealer and documented by a Dealers’ Record of Sale transaction and assault weapons registered with the department.
Lastly, SB 374 authorizes the DOJ to charge a fee (tax) of up to $19 per transaction for the submission of the Firearm Ownership Record.
This bill does not even mention any public awareness program to notify currently legal law-abiding gun owners that are about to become criminals.
It is imperative that you call AND e-mail your state Senator urging him or her to OPPOSE SB 374. Urge them to instead focus on meaningful legislation relating to school safety, mental health issues, marketing of violence as entertainment for our children and the collapse of federal prosecutions of violent criminals. Don't forget to forward this alert to your family, friends and fellow gun owners across California urging them to do the same.
For a list of other anti-gun bills introduced by anti-gun Senate Democrats that are of concern to law-abiding gun owners click here.
Contact information and help identifying your state Senator can be found here.
Please continue to check your e-mail and www.NRAILA.org for updates on anti-gun legislation moving in California.