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Breaking Down the New Gun Laws Jerry Brown Passed and Vetoed

Posted in General FAQ'S on July 11, 2016

As of July 1, California Governor Jerry Brown has officially signed the bulk of a proposed gun control package into law. He signed six gun control bills and vetoed five others, causing a stir among both sides of the gun control debate. The bills enforce new restrictions on semiautomatic rifles and the purchase of ammunition with the goal of “enhancing public safety,” in the governor’s words, while still protecting the rights of law-abiding gun owners.

The governor signed this legislation the day after the Legislature approved 12 other gun control bills, introduced after December’s mass shooting in San Bernardino in which 14 people were killed. After the Orlando massacre in June claimed 49 more lives, the bills gained momentum. Republicans in the senate and the assembly largely opposed the bills, but Governor Brown passed six of them with overwhelming Democratic support.

The Bills Governor Brown Passed

The six bills Governor Jerry Brown signed change California gun laws on a number of levels. California will now require a background check and identification to purchase ammunition. This bill will also create a new statewide database listing all registered ammunition owners. One new bill bans the possession of ammunition magazines that hold more than ten bullets. This bill prohibits the ownership of high-capacity magazines for firearms.

An even more significant ban is on the sale of semiautomatic rifles equipped with “bullet buttons,” which can quickly remove and replace magazines. These weapons are typically not used for hunting or target practice, and the governor felt a bill controlling their sale was appropriate. A separate bill restricts loaning guns without the use of background checks to only close family members. The governor believes passing these six bills and vetoing another five strikes a balance between protecting citizens and respecting gun owners who obey the law.

The Bills Governor Brown Vetoed

Governor Brown vetoed five bills he described as too regulative. His vetoes didn’t come as a great surprise to California residents, since the governor has a history of resistance to gun control measures. Among the bills the governor vetoed were measures that would have permitted a person to purchase only one gun in a 30-day period and measures to outlaw the sale of semiautomatic rifles that have detachable magazines.

Brown also vetoed a bill that would have required gun owners to report stolen or lost guns within five days and vetoed another requiring certain people to file a petition to have guns confiscated for one year from people who posed a danger to society. The bill would have allowed mental health workers, school officials, and coworkers to file the petition as a “gun violence restraining order.” The governor explained his reason behind this veto is that he already passed a bill into law, allowing family members and law enforcement to file a restraining order, and believed this expansion to be premature.

Your Source for California Gun Law Expertise

California’s gun laws are complex, especially with the passing of these six new bills. Many gun owners don’t realize they’re breaking the law and can be penalized with hefty fines, community service hours, and even a criminal charge. For experienced and confidential legal advice concerning your situation, trust the Law Offices of Graham Donath, APC. Our Riverside weapons charges attorneys have a thorough knowledge of California’s many gun control laws and are up-to- date with the newest additions.

If the courts charge you with a misdemeanor or felony for possession of illegal firearms or ammunition, we can help clear your name. We’ll take a look at the police report to ensure officers followed proper protocol and gather evidence for self-defense or accidental discharge. The right defense attorney does make a difference. Contact us today to speak with a representative about your case.