CA Action Alert: SB53 (Ammo registration)

Ammunition Registration Bill Hearing Tuesday in Sacramento
Contact Your Assembly Member; Express Opposition to SB 53

A hearing has been set for Tuesday, June 10 before the California Assembly Committee on Public Safety on SB 53, Senator De Leon’s bill to require permits and registration for nearly all ammunition purchases. Under terms of the bill, the state would charge a fee and require a background check for the two-year, renewable permit to be issued by the State Department of Justice. The permit would be needed to buy all types of ammunition – rifle, shotgun and handgun – including that used for hunting.

The hearing will begin at 9 a.m., State Capitol building, Room 126.

SB 53 would reinstate provisions of previously enacted law that could not be put into effect after a court ruled that the definition of handgun ammunition used was unconstitutionally vague. The provisions are: 1) Ammunition sales could only be made in “face to face” transactions, thus making internet and mail order ammunition sales illegal; 2) Personal information about the purchaser, including a signature and thumbprint would have to be obtained by the retailer, and 3) The brand, type, and amount of ammunition purchased would be recorded for each transaction.

In addition, ammunition could not be displayed in a location accessible to customers without the assistance of a store employee.

NSSF is urging California residents to contact their Assembly Member to express opposition to SB 53. Find your legislator.