California Gov. Jerry Brown, a Democrat, made significant changes to the state’s gun laws Friday by signing a series of bills.
One of the laws raises the minimum age for buying rifles and shotguns from 18 to 21. By signing the bill, Brown follows a move by Republican Florida Gov. Rick Scott, the Los Angeles Times reported. In March, Scott signed into law a bill that raises the age for buying long guns.
Other laws:
- Place a lifetime firearm bans on people convicted of serious domestic violence charges and for those who have been hospitalized more than once in a year for mental health issues.
- Make it easier for police officers and family members to have guns taken away from people who appear to be a danger to themselves or others.
- Require at least eight hours of gun safety training for people applying for concealed gun permits. They will also be required to demonstrate their skill through a live-fire exam.
Brown vetoed a plan to limit people to no more than one rifle or shotgun purchase in any 30-day period, the report stated.
What did the NRA say?
The National Rifle Association fought the push to raise the age limit for purchasing guns. The measure boosts a previously-approved state law that limits handgun purchases to people age 21 and older, according to the report.
“We will continue to oppose gun control measures that only serve to punish law abiding citizens,” NRA State Director Daniel Reid stated in a letter to lawmakers prior to the governor’s signature on the bills.
The NRA did not immediately say whether it plans to challenge the California law in court.
State Sen. Anthony Portantino (D) authored California’s version of the law limiting long gun purchases to those 21 and older. The law takes effect Jan. 1.
Portantino argued for the change by saying he was moved by the grief of survivors and family members of victims after the February massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.
“I was determined to help California respond appropriately to the tragic events our country has recently faced on high school campuses,” Portantino told the Los Angeles Times. “No parent should have to worry that a gun gets in the wrong hands and commits a heinous and violent tragedy on our school campuses.”
via TheBlaze.com – Stories
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