21 Years for All Gun Purchases Signed by Governor Brown- Portantino’s SB 1100 Becomes Law

Sacramento, California – Today, Governor Jerry Brown signed SB 1100 authored by Senator Anthony J. Portantino, D–La Cañada Flintridge. SB 1100 will prohibit the sale or transfer of any firearm by a licensed dealer, except as specially exempted, to any person below the age of 21 years.

“As a dad and Senator I am very grateful to Governor Brown for his leadership in signing this important bill. I was determined to help California respond appropriately to the tragic events our country has recently faced on high school campuses.  I feel it is imperative that California leads when Washington refuses to act.  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,” commented Senator Portantino.

Existing law prohibits the sale or transfer of a handgun to any person below the age of 21 years. However, the minimum age to purchase a long-gun, such as a riffle, is 18 years. SB 1100 would simple make law consistent 

Through this bill, California is leading the way while Washington sidesteps the pleas of youth around the country to keep guns away from schools. Portantino introduced the bill in response to the Stoneman Douglas High School Shooting and the emotional pleas of students and families for action.  This bill further establishes Portantino’s legacy and leadership for sensible gun control. 

Previously, Senator Portantino was the author legislation to outlaw the open carry of unloaded handguns and long guns.  Portantino has worked closely with the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence during his tenure in the legislature.

SB 1100 is supported by The CA Chapters of the Brady Campaign: Sponsor, American Academy of Pediatrics, Bay Area Student Activists, City of Santa Monica, Department of Justice, Everytown for Gun Safety, Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence, International Health & Epidemiology Research Center, Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America.

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Sen. Portantino represents nearly 930,000 people in the 25th Senate District, which includes Altadena, Atwater Village, Bradbury, Burbank, Claremont, Duarte, Glendale, Glendora, La Cañada Flintridge, La Crescenta, Lake View Terrace, La Verne, Los Feliz, Monrovia, Montrose, Pasadena, San Dimas, San Marino, Shadow Hills, Sierra Madre, South Pasadena, Sunland-Tujunga, and Upland.