The California State Assembly struck down a bill on Saturday which would have required residents who want to buy ammunition to get a state permit and pass a background check.
According to the Los Angeles Times, the legislation — originally proposed by Sen. Kevin de Leon (D-Los Angeles) — also required ammo sellers to provide information about buyers to the state Department of Justice, such as name, address, date of birth, date of sale, brand type and amount purchased. Under the bill, if an ammo buyer was later found to have a criminal record or a mental illness, authorities would have legally been allowed to get a warrant and confiscate any ammo and weapons discovered.
As the Times reports, SB 53 was just six votes short of passing. It was supported by various officials, including the the Chief of the Los Angeles Police Department, Charlie Beck. It was opposed by NRA and the California Assn. of Federal Firearms Licensees.
“I’m tired of this chamber picking winners and losers and if we pass this, we’re going to kill another industry here in California,” said Assemblyman Scott Wilk (R-Santa Clarita), according to the Times.
Read more: http://www.latimes.com
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