A 2016 ballot initiative to strengthen the state’s gun laws has recently been proposed. Up for vote: restricting ammunition sales through background checks, requiring owners to turn in assault-style magazines that have a large capacity, and requiring gun owners to report lost or stolen guns to law enforcement.
The proposal was drafted by California Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom, a candidate for California governor in 2018, and sponsored by the Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence. It comes in response to recent mass shootings nationwide, and three recent deaths in the San Francisco Bay Area, in which the shooters allegedly used stolen guns to commit the crimes.
The Newly Proposed California Gun Laws That Will Be Up For Vote
The ballot initiative would ask voters to make five changes to state law:
— Eliminate the stockpile of now-banned large-capacity magazines with 11 rounds or more: Owners would be required to sell them to a licensed firearms dealer, take them out of state or turn them in to law enforcement to be destroyed. State law already bans manufacturing or selling magazines that hold more than 10 rounds.
— Background checks for ammunition purchases: Ammunition dealers would need to conduct a background check at the point-of-sale for all ammunition, and dealers would need a license similar to those required to sell firearms. Stores also would be required to report to law enforcement if ammunition has been lost or stolen.
— Reporting lost and stolen guns: California would join 11 other states in requiring that lost or stolen firearms be reported to law enforcement.
— Felons must relinquish weapons: California courts would set up a clear process to relinquish weapons. The authors say that more than 17,000 Californians who are prohibited from owning firearms currently have guns.
— Firearms database: The California Department of Justice would have to notify the federal instant criminal background check system when someone is added to the database of those prohibited from purchasing or possessing a firearm. California currently reports to the federal system voluntarily.
If adopted, Newsom’s proposal would make California the first state in the nation to require background checks at the point of sale for ammunition. There are, however, other states that currently require purchasers to obtain licenses and go through background checks ahead of time.
About Charles Magill, Fresno Defense Lawyer
Charles Magill’s relentless and creative style of legal service has resulted in more than 150 jury and court trial victories. Because of his uncanny ability to explain complex legal cases with unmistakable clarity, many news organizations, including FOX, ABC, CBS, NPR, NBC, The Wall Street Journal and The Fresno Bee, have sought his concise legal insight in interviews. He is an active member in the local Fresno Community and a member of the Greater Fresno Area Chamber of Commerce. He and his firm have received multiple awards of recognition, many of which are a direct result of client nomination.
Leave a Reply