Gun confiscation was just made possible via a new California gun control law. Second Amendment advocates are opposed to the measure which would allow residents to “ask” police officer to confiscate a legally owned gun by a close relative. Governor Jerry Brown signed the Gun Violence Restraining Order bill into law on Tuesday.
All families do not get along as well as the Cleavers or the Huxtables. Gun confiscation calls among rival siblings and feuding cousins could soon keep California police officers extremely busy. The gun control law was introduced in the state legislature after Elliot Rodger went on a killing spree that left 13 people injured and seven dead. Rodger did use a gun but he also stabbed multiple victims. The new California law does not address the banning of sharp objects as a part of the restraining order guidelines.
“In the case of the Isla Vista shooter, Elliot Rodger, his mother was noticing that he was becoming more agitated and making these threats of violence, but there was little she could do and little the police could do,” California Democratic Assembly member Nancy Skinner said. The Berkeley area representative introduced the gun confiscation bill, along with Santa Barbara Democrat Das Williams.
The new law which Second Amendment advocates believes infringes upon gun rights, is the first such statute in the United States. If a California residents feels a close relative “might” commit gun violence the concerned party can request a restraining order be issued. The order is valid for 21 days initially, but can be extended for up to one year after the filing of a notice and a hearing is held.
“The new Gun Violence Restraining Order Law will give families and law enforcement a needed tool to reduce the risk of mass shootings and gun violence both in the home and on our streets,” Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence California Chapters legislative co-chairs Nick and Amanda Wilcox said.
California Republicans rallied in opposition to the bill, stating that measures already existed to keep guns out of the hands of unstable or dangerous individuals. GOP lawmakers also maintained that the gun confiscation bill infringed upon the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens.
The new gun control law reportedly garnered wide support from law enforcement agencies. The measure expands upon existing statutes which temporarily prohibits individuals with domestic violence restraining orders from owning a gun. “If it can save one life, one family from that agony, it will be worth it,” Democratic State Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson said while the gun confiscation bill was being debated.
What do you think about the California gun confiscation law?
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