California: Legislative Update for the Week of April 7

This week, several anti-gun bills passed in their respective committees while two pro-hunting bills also passed in their respective committees.

On Tuesday, anti-gun Assembly Bill 2305 passed in the Assembly Public Safety Committee by a 5 to 2.   AB 2305 would significantly expand California law by imposing criminal liability if an individual unknowingly carries a firearm on or about his or her person.   More importantly, AB 2305 directly conflicts with constitutional protections for carrying a firearm for self-defense as recently confirmed by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.  AB 2305 is now awaiting its third reading on the Assembly floor with no date yet scheduled for its consideration.

Also on Tuesday, pro-hunting Assembly Bill 1709 passed unanimously in the Assembly Water, Parks and Wildlife Committee.  AB 1709 would revise the eligibility age to purchase a junior hunting license to include minors that are 16 and 17 years of age.  Under current law, minors over the age of 15 are not authorized to purchase the affordable junior hunting licenses.  AB 1709 has been referred to the Assembly Appropriations Committee and a hearing date has not yet been scheduled.

On Wednesday, the following bills passed in the Assembly Appropriations Committee and now await their third reading on the Assembly floor:

Anti-Gun Bills:

Assembly Bill 1609 would impose unnecessary limitations on the transfer of firearms by law-abiding citizens, requiring that all transfers be completed through a California gun dealer, regardless of the circumstances.  AB 1609 passed in committee by a 12 to 5.

Assembly Bill 1964 would remove existing exemptions for all single-shot pistols, other than those with a break top or bolt action, from California’s roster of “not safe” handguns.  AB 1964 passed in committee by a 12 to 5.

Assembly Bill 2310 would reenact provisions authorizing a city prosecutor or city attorney in specified counties to file an action for unlawful detainer to abate a nuisance caused by any illegal conduct involving firearms or ammunition.  AB 2310 passed unanimously in committee.

Pro-Hunting Bill:

Assembly Bill 2105 would require the state Department of Fish and Game to authorize a non-profit organization designated by the department to assist in the sale of Nelson bighorn ram tags and to retain five percent of the amount of the sale price of the tag, plus any applicable credit card fees, as a reasonable vendor fee.  AB 2105 passed unanimously in committee..

Please call AND e-mail your Assemblyman and urge him or her to OPPOSE AB 2305, AB 1609, AB 1964 and AB 2310 and SUPPORT AB 1709 and AB 2105.

Contact information for your Assemblyman can be found here.

Please forward this alert to your family, friends and fellow gun owners and sportsmen in California and urge them to call AND e-mail their Assemblyman also.