Washington, D.C., August 23, 2022 — Today's passage of two gun violence prevention bills in the California state legislature again demonstrated that California leads the nation when it comes to legislative action to prevent gun violence. Brady now urges Gov. Newsom to sign these bills, as well as AB 452 which was passed on August 11, into law without delay.
The two bills — AB 2552 and SB 1384 — will enhance oversight at California gun shows and strengthen gun dealer standards and security, respectively. Following the high-profile mass shootings in Laguna Woods and Sacramento, in addition to acts of everyday gun violence all over the state, Brady applauds policymakers for taking sensible action to bolster gun safety laws and prevent future acts of violence.
In support of AB 2552 and SB 1384, Brady advocates drove hundreds of calls and messages to state policymakers. It is clear that when dedicated activists speak out and call for decisive action against gun violence, California lawmakers listen.
Brady President Kris Brown stated:
“California continues to be a leader in gun violence prevention and gun safety. Today’s passage of AB 2552 and SB 1384 sends a strong message to the rest of the country that common-sense solutions like these are needed to save lives. In the absence of federal laws or regulations implementing basic security or safety standards for the gun industry, we commend California policymakers for taking the lead in employing evidence-based solutions to protect California communities and address senseless, preventable violence, before it happens. Gun violence is not normal, and we cannot accept it as our reality."
Brady California Legislative Chair Ruth Borenstein stated:
"For too long, a lack of oversight at gun shows and lax gun dealer requirements have led to firearms ending up in the hands of prohibited purchasers, gun traffickers, and individuals intent on doing harm. Members of the gun industry play a critical role in preventing gun violence, and these bills will ensure that firearms are sold safely and responsibly. I am so proud of the grassroots activists who have helped shed light on this public safety threat and worked with lawmakers to pass these life-saving bills."
Right now, there are no federal laws or regulations that require federally licensed firearms dealers to implement basic security or safety measures. In turn, firearms are sold illegally or stolen, causing senseless, preventable gun violence — especially in California’s Black and Brown communities.
SB 1384 updates requirements for licensed firearm dealers in California by:
Requiring point of sale video surveillance 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.
Nationwide, 76% of school shootings are facilitated by kids having access to unsecured or unsupervised guns in the home and nearly 4.6 million minors live in homes with access to unsecured guns. Safe gun storage and access prevention laws promote responsible gun-owning practices and prevent tragedies due to unintentional discharges, suicide, and gun theft. These laws require gun owners to keep their firearms out of the reach of youth, who could use unsecured weapons to harm themselves or others. The California legislature passed AB 452 on August 11, 2022, and the bill now awaits Gov. Newsom’s signature. AB 452 would:
Require the Department of Education, with consultation with the Department of Justice, to create a notification outlining California’s Child Access Prevention laws and laws regarding safe storage of firearms.
Require each school district, county office of education, and charter school to distribute the notification to parents or guardians.
Require a notification to be sent out at the beginning of each semester or quarter of the regular school term and during any new enrollment or transfer.
Immunize school districts, county offices of education, charter schools, and the superintendent from civil liability for any damages relating to the notification.
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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