California's Excessive Gun Laws
Didn't Stop Tragedy
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"...The need for any new gun
legislation certainly pales in comparison to the need for common sense..." |
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CA Attorney General
Bill Lockyer (D) - a
dangerous politician
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Gun control activists are certain to try to exploit Monday's tragedy at
Santana High School in Santee, California to promote their anti-gun agenda.
Although the source of the firearm used in this attack is yet unknown, a
brief review of current California law demonstrates that the Golden
State has already enacted extensive gun control measures -- all of which
failed to stop this senseless tragedy.
- Juvenile gun ban: A person under 18 may not possess a handgun except
with written permission or under the supervision of a parent or
guardian. A minor under 16 may not possess live ammunition except with
the written permission or under the supervision of a parent or guardian,
or while going to or from an organized lawful recreational or
competitive shooting activity or lawful hunting activity.
- Background checks on all gun sales: Transfer or sale of all firearms
(including those exhibited at gun shows) must be made by a licensed
California gun dealer. A record of each sale is sent by the dealer to
the California Department of Justice and the local police chief or
sheriff, who conduct a background check including a check of the
National Instant Check System (NICS).
- No transfers to juveniles: It is unlawful for any person to transfer
any firearm to a person who is forbidden to possess or own a firearm. A
dealer may not transfer a pistol (or handgun ammunition) to a person
under 21 or other firearm to a person under 18.
- Gun registration for new residents: Within 60 days of bringing a
handgun into California, the person importing the firearm must complete
and return a Department of Justice registration form or sell or transfer
the firearm to a licensed dealer, sheriff or police department.
- Waiting period: There is a 10-day waiting period before delivery of
any firearm.
- Mandatory training: No handgun shall be delivered or sold unless the
person receiving the firearm presents to the gun dealer a basic firearms
safety certificate approved by the California Department of Justice.
- One-gun-a-month: Only one handgun may be purchased within any 30-day
period.
- Restrictive carry laws: It is unlawful to carry a loaded rifle,
shotgun, or handgun in any public place or on any public street in an
incorporated area or an area where firing a firearm is prohibited.
Carrying a handgun concealed is prohibited without a license, which is
difficult or impossible to obtain in many California jurisdictions.
- Adult liability for juvenile crimes: It is unlawful (with limited
exceptions) to store a loaded firearm where the person knows or
reasonably should know that a child under 16 is likely to gain access to
the firearm without the permission of the child's parent or legal
guardian and the child obtains access to the firearm and causes death or
great bodily harm to self or any other person. Gun dealers must post a
sign advising "If you leave a loaded firearm where a child obtains and
improperly uses it, you may be fined or sent to prison."
- Gun-free schools: It is unlawful to possess a firearm on the grounds
or in the buildings of any school without permission of the school
authorities.
- Theft: It is unlawful to steal or a firearm.
Early media reports indicate that the alleged attacker was a troubled
youth with a history of drug use who had also made many recent, detailed
statements about his planned crime to both young people and adults, none
of whom thought the threats worth mentioning. The need for any new gun
legislation certainly pales in comparison to the need for common sense.
Related Stories...
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(09/01/00) California Gun Owners Stop Latest Licensing Scheme!
(09/01/00) AB 273 Final Report (4:00 AM) from the Capitol 
(08/25/00) L.A. to Cease it's Illegal Firearms Confiscation Policies
(06/12/00) NRA Lawyers POUND DOJ With SB 23 Reg. Inconsistencies
(03/09/00) California: Ground Zero for Complete Gun Ban by Charlton Heston
(02/24/00) DOJ Revoke Your AW Registration? NRA Helps You File For Damages!
(12/14/99) NRA FILES CONFISCATION LAWSUIT
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