Washington, D.C., September 29, 2022 — Today, Brady applauds Gov. Gavin Newsom for taking decisive action against gun violence and signing two common-sense bills that will bolster California’s gun safety laws and ensure that firearms are sold safely and responsibly.
Members of the gun industry play a critical role in preventing the proliferation of illegal firearms. SB 1384 will make California the first state to mandate point-of-sale video surveillance to prevent straw purchases and deter theft, while AB 2552 will strengthen safety provisions and oversight of the nearly 100 gun shows that operate each year in California. These bills will help ensure that firearms do not end up in the hands of prohibited purchasers, gun traffickers, and individuals intent on doing harm.
Prior to SB 1384 and AB 2552’s signing, Brady advocates drove hundreds of calls and messages to state policymakers, making it clear that Californians support basic security and safety standards for the gun industry and that inaction on these bills could lead to senseless, preventable violence.
Brady thanks Gov. Newsom and California policymakers for taking common-sense steps to bolster the state’s gun safety laws, protect California communities, prevent future violence, and save lives.
Brady President Kris Brown stated:
“Licensed firearms dealers are the first line of defense for preventing firearms from getting into the hands of prohibited purchasers and gun traffickers. Until now, there have been no laws or regulations requiring dealers to have video surveillance in stores or to carry standard business liability insurance, while gun shows have been allowed to operate with minimal and insufficient oversight. These bills will rectify that and further incentivize gun dealers in California to engage in safer business practices which will work to prevent gun violence in California before it happens. We are proud to stand with Gov. Newsom and all California policymakers in saying enough is enough."
Brady California Legislative Chair Ruth Borenstein stated:
"For too long, firearms have been sold in irresponsible and dangerous ways, facilitating trafficking and causing senseless, preventable gun violence — especially in California’s Black and Brown communities. Amid our country's gun violence crisis, I am proud of the grassroots activists who used their voices and worked with lawmakers to pass these life-saving bills and make their communities safer. We should not have to wait for the next mass shooting to act; together, we can end gun violence."
There are no federal laws or regulations that require federally licensed firearms dealers to implement basic security or safety measures. In turn, firearms are at risk of being sold illegally or stolen, which leads to senseless, preventable gun violence.
SB 1384 updates requirements for licensed firearm dealers in California by:
Requiring point of sale video surveillance and a comprehensive alarm system to prevent straw purchases and deter theft
Requiring firearm retailers to maintain $1 million in liability insurance to ensure that victims of negligent, irresponsible, or criminal actions can be compensated
There are nearly 100 gun shows that operate each year in California with little to no oversight. The shows typically feature dozens to hundreds of tables of firearms, parts to modify firearms, and ammunition. Some vendors sell military-style weapons and cut-up military surplus weapons that are easily reassembled.
We cannot allow these shows to continue to function without strengthened safety provisions. AB 2552 would:
Mandate that the Department of Justice (DOJ) conduct enforcement and inspection of half of the gun shows in California on an annual basis, with a mandate to report each year’s enforcement and inspection effort to legislators.
Mandate that any licensed firearm dealer's violations be posted on the DOJ’s website for 90 days after an inspection (similar to California liquor licenses).
Mandate that gun show promoters provide material regarding California firearms laws, safe storage, preventing domestic violence, and mental health resources.
Prohibit sales of short barrel rifles kits at California gun shows.
Increase penalties (fees or suspension of future shows) for gun show promoters’ violations.
In 2020, 3,449 people died due to gun violence in California.
In 2020, 1,732 people were victims of firearm homicide in California.
In 2020, 1,552 people in California took their own lives with a firearm.
In California, Hispanic/Latino males are 3.2 times more likely to be a victim of firearm homicide than their white counterparts.
Black males are 14.3 times more likely to be a victim of firearm homicide than their white counterparts.
Black males make up less than 4% of California’s population, but represent over 30% of the gun homicide victims.
Among young Black males (ages 10-24), the firearm homicide rate is 17.3 times higher than their white counterparts.
Hispanic/Latino males are 3 times more likely to be a victim of firearm homicide than their white counterparts.
Among young Hispanic/Latino males (ages 10-24), the firearm homicide rate is 4.5 times higher than their white counterparts.
White males are 3.6 times more likely to take their own life with a firearm than Hispanic/Latino males and 2.2 times more likely than Black males.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the gun homicide rate in California is 25.1% lower than the average national rate.
The gun suicide rate is 44.8% lower than the average national rate.
The rate for all firearm deaths is 36.1% lower than the average national rate.
In 2020, an estimated 1,220,798 firearms were sold in California (56.3% increase over 2019).
In 2021, an estimated 952,654 firearms were sold (22.0% decrease from 2020; 22.0% increase over 2019).
Brady has one powerful mission — to unite all Americans against gun violence. We work across Congress, the courts, and our communities with over 90 grassroots chapters, bringing together young and old, red and blue, and every shade of color to find common ground in common sense. In the spirit of our namesakes Jim and Sarah Brady, we have fought for over 45 years to take action, not sides, and we will not stop until this epidemic ends. It’s in our hands.
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