The California Assembly will consider Assembly Bill 352 and Assembly Bill 996 at any time. AB 352 expands the definition of "unsafe handguns" to include semi-automatic pistols that are not designed and equipped with an array of microscopic characters which identify the make, model, and serial number of the pistol by imprinting the character on each cartridge case when the firearm is discharged. This legislation could essentially ban all semi-automatic pistols commonly used by California gun owners.
AB 996 would require all retailers to display and sell ammunition in a manner that is only accessible by an employee, not the purchaser. Any violation of this measure would result in a misdemeanor. This bill has been voted down twice during the 2005 Legislative Session because existing law already makes it a crime to sell ammunition to a minor or ammunition designed for a handgun to anyone less than 21 years of age. Please continue to contact members of the Assembly through Monday, May 23, and ask them to oppose AB 352 and AB 996. Assembly Members can be reached at (916) 319-20 (plus your 2-digit district number for the last two numbers).
A hearing date has been set for Monday, May 23, in the Senate Appropriations Committee on Senate Bill 357. This bill would establish a program requiring serialization of handgun ammunition to be enforced by the Department of Justice. The manufacture, transfer, and possession of non-serialized handgun ammunition after July 1, 2007, would be considered a crime. SB 357 would also require ammunition vendors and manufacturers to register with the Department of Justice. Unfortunately, this anti-gun legislation is expected to pass out of Committee. Please continue to contact members of the Senate Appropriations Committee at (916) 651-4101, and ask them to oppose SB 357. Also, please begin contacting members of the Senate and ask them to vote "NO" on SB 357.