Sacramento, CA – Gov. Gavin Newsom spoke at the State Capitol just ahead of gun safety laws that will take effect July 1.
Approved by a wide margin of voters in 2016, Proposition 63 restricts individuals with violent histories from accessing firearms and ammunition. Specifically, it outlaws possession of high-capacity magazines in California, a common accessory in nearly all mass shootings. It also requires first-in-nation background checks for ammunition purchases and for internet sales of ammunition to go through a licensed vendor.
Under Prop 63, the state created a system for relinquishing firearms from former felons, who cannot legally own them. The measure clarifies that gun theft carries felony charges, requiring people and businesses to report lost or stolen guns, and to assist law enforcement with illegal firearms trafficking.
While the majority of these policies go into effect July 1, the ban on high-capacity magazines is currently in litigation in the Ninth Circuit.
“Gun violence is an American epidemic, and California is again on the front lines of combating it,” said the governor. “Proposition 63 is proof of what we can accomplish when we stand up together and show the NRA that our children’s lives are more important than their profits.” He added that California will continue to lead the way when it comes to sensible policies that protect families and communities from gun violence.
“Requiring eligibility checks for gun and ammunition purchases is not only common sense — it works,” stated Attorney General Xavier Becerra. “Enforcing Prop 63 will help us keep ammunition away from dangerous, prohibited individuals who have no business owning firearms or ammunition.”
Newsom prioritized budget spending for gun-violence prevention programs along with proposing triple funding for the California Violence Intervention and Prevention Program, which funds support services such as community education, diversion programs, outreach to at-risk transitional age youth and violence reduction models.
Also in attendance, Surgeon General Dr. Nadine Burke Harris noted, “Any step we take to reduce gun violence will reduce trauma and toxic stress in our communities, helping to change the odds and transform outcomes for the next generation of Californians.”