Senator Portantino Introduces Legislation to Address Poway Tragedy Aftermath Issues

Sacramento, California – Senator Anthony J. Portantino (D–La Cañada Flintridge) has introduced SB 914 which seeks to address gun control issues which came to light after the horrific and tragic synagogue shooting in Poway. The Poway shooter was able to illegally purchase a rifle despite being under 21 and despite not having a valid hunting license as required by SB 61.  At the point of purchase, the gun store failed to adequately check the validity of the license which was invalid.  SB 914 seeks to address this issue by requiring the Department of Justice and the retailer to determine the validity of hunting licenses for persons under 21 during the 10- day waiting period. Additionally, this bill will clarify the definition of a valid hunting license.   This verification process must be completed before a gun can be purchased.

Senator Portantino had previously authored legislation that banned the sale of long guns, including the semi-automatic rifles often used in these tragic shootings, to people who are under the age of 21. Possession of a valid hunting license was an exception to the law.  Subsequently, Senator Portantino passed additional legislation to close the hunting license exemption for semi-automatic, center-fire rifles commonly used to commit these heinous mass shootings.   The third bill by Portantino on this issue will address the outstanding circumstances uncovered in Poway, ensuring that background checks are done comprehensively so the same mistakes don’t happen again.

“Sadly, no one can undo the tragedy that occurred in Poway.  I pray for the families and hope the lessons learned can be used proactively for a better and safer place for our Californians to worship and for families to raise their children in safety,” commented Senator Portantino.

Senator Portantino is arguably the strongest champion of gun control reforms in the California Legislature. During his time as an Assemblymember, the Senator passed legislation that banned the open carry of guns in California. As a Senator, he has continued to champion gun reforms and has passed numerous bills related to this issue. As previously stated, the Senator banned the sale of semi-automatic, center-fire rifles to those under 21 as well as restricting the sale of this sort of weapons to one a month. Last year, he authored and passed the strongest and most comprehensive firearm storage reform in the country.  He also addressed confusion in the way that unlicensed firearms dealers are treated based on the definition of “infrequent.” This bill reflects the Senator’s ongoing and progressive stance on keeping Californians safe.