The Sierra Sun Times: California Attorney General Becerra Joins State Coalition in Urging Congress to Pass Ammunition Background Checks
September 24, 2019 - SACRAMENTO – California Attorney General Xavier Becerra on Monday joined a coalition of 21 attorneys general in urging Congress to enact Jaime’s Law. The law would change federal law to require background checks for ammunition purchases and prevent the purchase of ammunition by prohibited individuals. Jaime’s Law is named after Jaime Guttenberg, a 14 year-old high school student who was killed at the 2018 mass shooting in Parkland, Florida.
“We have seen far too many preventable deaths this past year alone. Our children and loved ones are dying, there’s simply no room for debate here,” said Attorney General Becerra. “Jaime’s Law is a commonsense, easy-to-implement gun safety law. If enacted, this law could help address our nation’s gun violence epidemic. We ask Congress to prioritize the safety of our communities and enact Jaime’s Law.”
California has been a leader when it comes to implementing common-sense gun safety laws. In 2016, California voters enacted Proposition 63, which, among other things, regulated the sale or transfer of ammunition. As part of Proposition 63, starting in 2018 only licensed ammunition vendors are allowed to sell ammunition in California. Further, as of July 1, 2019, licensed ammunition vendors must conduct eligibility checks before selling or transferring ammunition to a buyer in California. California’s background checks rely on state databases that show whether a person is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under state or federal law.
