Senator Portantino Introduces Bill Requiring Confirmation of Hunting License Validity & Addressing Independent Review of Gun Possession Disputes
For Immediate Release: February 19, 2021
Contact: Lerna Shirinian, (818) 807-6091
Senator Portantino Introduces Bill Requiring Confirmation of Hunting License Validity & Addressing Independent Review of Gun Possession Disputes
Sacramento, California – Today Senator Anthony J. Portantino’s (D – La Cañada Flintridge) introduced SB 715, a measure that would define a valid and unexpired hunting license and would require the Department of Justice (DOJ) to confirm the validity of the hunting license. The bill would also authorize the state prosecutor to investigate officer-involved shootings that result in the death of a civilian if there is a reasonable dispute whether that civilian was armed.
“We have a gun violence epidemic in our country and sadly it has become all too common to see senseless violence in the news,” stated Senator Portantino. “California leads the country in combatting gun violence, but there is more we can do. I am pleased to continue to author legislation on firearm reform, which improves public safety for all Californians. I am hopeful that with sensible measures, we can prevent tragic incidents of violence and further independent investigations when warranted,” he added.
SB 715 addresses concerns related to the tragic synagogue shooting in Poway. The perpetrator of the Poway shooting was able to purchase a rifle, despite being under 21 and not having a valid hunting license. The validity of the license at the time of purchase was not verified. Under current law, when transferring or purchasing a firearm with a hunting license, there is no verification during the 10-day background check to ensure the validity of the license. This measure would require the Department of Justice, for sales of firearms to persons under 21 years of age who are eligible to purchase a firearm based upon their possession of a hunting license, to confirm the validity of the hunting license as part of the background check. This bill additionally defines what constitutes a valid and unexpired hunting license.
The bill would also authorize the state prosecutor to investigate and gather facts in an incident involving a shooting by a peace officer that results in the death of a civilian if there is a reasonable dispute as to whether that civilian was armed. Existing law, AB 1506, authorizes the state prosecutor to investigate only an officer involved shooting of an unarmed civilian. In a recent incident where a Pasadena Police Department officer fatally shot a civilian, it was unclear whether the individual was armed and therefore not eligible for DOJ investigation. Under SB 715, a disputed circumstance, like the one in Pasadena, would be eligible for the same review included in AB 1506. Assemblymember Kevin McCarty (D –Sacramento) authored AB 1506 and is a co-author of this measure.
SB 715 reflects Senator Portantino’s ongoing and progressive stance on keeping Californians safe. During his time in the Legislature, he has championed legislation that mandates safe storage of guns in homes and residential facilities, bans the open carry of guns in California, and bans the sale of long guns, including the semi-automatic rifles often used in these tragic shootings, to those under 21 – to name a few.
