Contributed by the office of Assemblymember Luis Alejo:
Assemblymember Luis Alejo, whose 30th District includes Gilroy and Watsonville, introduced AB 740 on Thursday, which addresses the issue of criminal firearm related sales and ownership.
The bill will add five existing misdemeanors to the 10-year firearm prohibition list, and will clarify that a person dealing in five or more firearms transactions a year is required to have a license. This bill is part of a larger package of firearm legislation being introduced by Alejo and five other concerned members of the State Assembly.
“I support the 2nd Amendment. But if you are an irresponsible gun owner and break the law, you should lose the right to own a firearm for a period of time,” said Alejo. “I have seen too many images of families torn apart by criminal behavior involving firearms, and I’m not going to sit by idly and wait for more. The safety of our children and families has to be top priority and I am willing to fight for their protection.”
Specifically, AB 740 will prohibit a person from owning a gun for 10 years if they carry ammunition onto school property, provide ammunition to a person who is prohibited under the law from possessing ammunition, or sell, lease, or transfer a firearm without a license. All of these acts are already misdemeanors under the law and punishable by imprisonment, a fie, or both.
The bill will also restart the 10-year prohibition clock if a person under the prohibition is found with a firearm or ammunition. However, under certain circumstances, the prohibition can be reduced or eliminated if the person can show that they are a safe, responsible, and lawful gun owner.
This bill does not create any new violations of law. It simply deters illegal and reckless firearm related behavior. For example, if you’ve been convicted of illegally selling a firearm or carrying live ammunition onto school property, you should lose the right to own a gun for 10 years.
“But, an individual can earn back that right by showing a history of respecting the law,” said Alejo. “If you are a responsible gun owner, this bill will not affect you. If you are irresponsible and break the law, your right to have gun will be taken away. It’s just common sense.”
This bill will be eligible to be heard in a California State Assembly policy committee after 30 days of being in print.
