Bill Seeks to Ban Manufacture, Limit Sales of Handguns, Bullets

Legislation banning the manufacture of handguns and their sale to non-law enforcement personnel has been introduced in the Assembly.

Under the wide-ranging measure, (AB 3210) by Assemblyman Terry Friedman (D-Brentwood), current handgun owners would be allowed to keep their weapons only if they are licensed and registered by the state.

Another provision limits licensed handgun owners to buying 100 bullets a year.

“Every day handgun violence destroys innocent lives,” Friedman said. “Law-abiding citizens are afraid to walk neighborhood streets in fear of random gunfire and drive-by shootings.

“Strong, bold, new steps are imperative to reduce the number of weapons pitted against police officers and innocent citizens.”

The legislator estimated there are several million handguns in California, with 448,247 purchased in 1993.

ASSEMBLY

Bill Introductions

Auto Buyers: AB 3333 by Assemblywoman Jackie Speier (D-Burlingame) establishes an arbitration program in the state Department of Consumer Affairs to help unhappy car purchasers get a replacement vehicle or their money back.

Prostate Cancer: AB 3478 by Assemblyman Stan Statham (R-Oak Run) increases the state cigarette tax by 2 cents a pack to raise $36 million a year to fight prostate cancer.

Lobbyist Information: AB 3575 by Jackie Speier requires lobbyists to file financial reports electronically with the secretary of state’s office that the public could obtain on home computers.

Trial Jurors: ACA1X by Assemblyman Bill Morrow (R-Oceanside) reduces the required number of jurors in felony and misdemeanor trials from 12 to eight and requires only six jurors to agree to render a verdict.

SENATE

Bill Introductions

Flat Tax: SB 1704 by Sen. Bill Leonard (R-Big Bear Lake) revises state income tax law by imposing a flat 5% rate on all income in excess of $12,000 for individuals, $18,000 for heads of households, and $24,000 for married couples filing joint returns, plus $3,000 per each dependent.

New Prisons: SB 1688 by Sen. Robert Presley (D-Riverside) authorizes the state Department of Corrections to build six prisons.

State Taxes: SB 1695 and SB 1696 by Sen. Rob Hurtt (R-Garden Grove) places a moratorium on state taxes for businesses in their first year of operation, and grants tax credits for each full-time job created by any business.

Imitation Guns: SB 1645 by Sen. Gary K. Hart (D-Santa Barbara) adds possession of an imitation firearm on a public school campus to the list of acts for which a student can be expelled or suspended.

Driver’s Licenses: SB 1587 by Sen. David Roberti (D-Van Nuys) prohibits charging a fee for a duplicate driver’s license if the applicant certifies that the original license was lost, destroyed or mutilated as a result of the Northridge earthquake.

Minors’ Names: SB 1614 by Sen. Phil Wyman (R-Tehachapi) permits local law enforcement agencies to disclose the names of minors arrested for felony crimes under certain conditions.

Ethics Commission: SB 1762 by Sen. Gary K. Hart would establish a state Legislative Ethics Commission to investigate charges and make recommendations concerning alleged violations by members of the Senate and the Assembly.

(Readers who wish to communicate with legislators regarding Assembly or Senate bills can write to them at the State Capitol Building, Sacramento, Calif. 95814.)