The Latest: California Senate backs strict gun restrictions
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — The latest on the California Senate's gun-control debate (all times are local): 11:30 a.m. The California Senate has approved a wide-ranging series of gun-control measures that would outlaw assault rifles with easily detachable magazines and require people to give up magazines that hold more than 10 rounds.
May 19, 2016
The 11 measures approved Thursday would significantly tighten California's gun laws, which are already among the strictest in the nation. The debate comes as Democratic leaders rush to head off a gun-control ballot measure advocated by Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom. They say the Legislature can more effectively craft gun legislation, and some Democrats also worry the initiative would motivate gun-rights supporters in the November election.
Lawmakers sent the package of legislation to the state Assembly.
10:35 a.m.
The California Senate is debating a wide-ranging slate of gun control bills that would significantly tighten the state's gun laws, which are already among the strictest in the nation.
The debate Thursday comes as Democratic legislative leaders rush to head off a ballot measure advocated by Lt. Gov. Gain Newsom. They say the Legislature can more effectively craft gun legislation. Some Democrats also worry the initiative would motivate gun-rights supporters in the November election.
Lawmakers approved a bill outlawing the sale of assault rifles with devices known as bullet buttons that allow for easily detachable ammunition magazines. Gun makers created bullet buttons to get around California's assault-weapon ban.
The legislation is among nearly a dozen gun-control bills lawmakers are debating.
1:17 a.m.
Democrats in the California Senate plan another attempt to outlaw the sale of assault rifles with easily detachable ammunition magazines known as bullet buttons.
The measure is among a wide-ranging slate of gun control bills scheduled for Senate votes on Thursday as Democratic leaders rush to head off a ballot measure advocated by Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom.
The measures would significantly tighten California's gun laws, which are already among the strictest in the nation.
Under California's assault-weapon ban, most rifles must require a tool to detach the magazine. Gun-makers developed so-called bullet buttons that can quickly dislodge the ammunition cartridge using the tip of a bullet or other small tool.
Outlawing bullet buttons is a priority for gun-control advocates, but Democratic Gov. Jerry Brown vetoed a prior attempt in 2013.
