Brady Applauds Gov. Newsom Signage of California Gun Violence Prevention Bills

New Laws Include Requirements on Public Carry; Microstramping; Funding for Community Violence Intervention.

Washington, D.C., September 26, 2023 – Today, California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed three gun violence prevention bills, including a new microstamping requirement (SB 452), improvements to concealed carry permitting and establishment of sensitive places restrictions (SB 2), and an excise tax on firearms to provide sustained funding for numerous programs including community violence intervention programs (AB 28).

Additionally, Gov. Newsom signed legislation that would institute safety training for firearm retailers (SB 241), prohibit the possession of machines used to create ghost guns (AB 1089), and mandate the use of merchant category codes for firearms retailers (AB 1587).

Brady collaborated with state lawmakers on the legislation and released the following statement:

Brady President Kris Brown said:

"California has one of the lowest rates of firearm death in the nation because of its record of proven and effective gun violence prevention laws. Today, California improved on that strong record with even more gun safety laws that will save countless lives across the state.

“With Gov. Newsom’s signature, California is now the first state to enact an excise tax on firearms to fund programs that are essential to interrupt the cycle of violence before it starts and heal communities suffering from the scars of gun violence. It's past time for the firearm industry to responsibly contribute to programs that mitigate and remediate the unique harms caused by guns. We encourage other states to follow in California’s footsteps.

“Nationwide, most shootings go unsolved. When law enforcement is able to solve crimes quickly, we are more easily able to break the cycle of violence. Microstamping is a reliable, feasible, inexpensive, yet powerful tool that will help law enforcement solve crimes and prevent senseless violence. The new microstamping law will provide families and victims of gun violence with the closure and justice they deserve.

“Several of these bills aim to address the supply-side of the gun industry with policies that will mandate the use of merchant category codes for firearm retailers, require important training for firearm dealers and their employees, and crack down on the production of ghost guns. All of these initiatives will help prevent firearms from landing in the hands of people who shouldn’t have them.

“Finally, strengthening the concealed carry permitting system and creating sensitive place restrictions will ensure that our communities and families are more protected from gun violence in sensitive public locations. Such legislation is essential following last year’s disastrous Supreme Court decision in Bruen.

“These bills, taken together, will go a long way in combating gun violence that is plaguing every city and every state. Brady applauds Gov. Newsom for signing these bills into law and thanks bill sponsors and supporters for their leadership.”