Gun Stores: New California Ammunition Law
After ringing in 2011, gun store owners should be aware of the new California ammunition law that is aimed at better tracking criminals who use handguns to commit crimes. Officially known as AB 962, there are important requirements and changes to the sale of ammunition about to be enacted this week.
Outdoor and gun stores should be aware of: "The measure requires vendors of handgun ammunition to keep a log of information on handgun ammunition sales, store ammunition in a safe and secure manner and require the face-to-face transfer of ammunition sales," The Los Angeles Daily News reports. The new California ammunition law is similar to those enacted in other states and counties with the same crime prevention goals.
In addition to penalties for failure to comply with the new California gun control law, there are financial concerns that many gun owners have expressed. One concern is that strict ammunition laws will only force patrons to go to more relaxed states to buy ammunition. The new law also bans the online sale of gun ammunition. Although a valid financial concern, the aim of the California gun control law is purely safety and crime-prevention minded.
"These simple rules governing handgun ammunition will protect police officers, families and children from deadly gun violence," Assembly member Kevin de Leon told The Examiner. Some of the requirements of AB 962 are fairly simple to implement, especially after the license requirement was eliminated earlier last year.
Perhaps the biggest burden: the law imposes is the fingerprint requirement and keeping updated records available for review by the Department of Justice. Whether seen as an attack on the Second Amendment or a necessary safeguard, the California ammunition law is one to be obeyed.
Related Resources:
- California Targets Ammunition Sales (Examiner)
- New California Handgun Law Puts Ammo on Lockdown (FindLaw's Law and Daily Life)
- States Challenge Federal Gun Regulations (FindLaw's Blotter)
