Gov. Newsom signs new gun control measures, expanding restrictions and protections in California's already strict laws. (AP File)

- New laws allow courts to consider stalking and animal cruelty as grounds for gun restrictions.
- Legislation targets "ghost guns" and enhances protections for domestic violence survivors.
- Newsom positions himself as a gun control leader, eyeing the national political stage.
Share
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
SACRAMENTO — California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed several gun control measures Tuesday, including one that allows the court to consider stalking and animal cruelty as grounds to restrict access to firearms.
The state already has some of the strictest gun laws in the country. The new laws signed by Newsom will expand restrictions on who could own firearms, prevent the proliferation of “ghost guns” and increase protections for domestic violence survivors.
“California won’t wait until the next school shooting or mass shooting to act,” the Democratic governor said in a statement. “In the absence of congressional action, our state is once again leading the way by strengthening our nation-leading gun laws.”
Related Story: Newsom: I Can Work With Trump
Expanded Grounds for Gun Restrictions
Under the new laws, a judge can consider stalking, acts of animal cruelty or threats of violence as evidence for a gun violence restraining order. A person who has a misdemeanor charge dismissed because they were found to be mentally incompetent will also be prohibited from possessing a gun. Current laws only apply such restrictions to cases involving felony charges.
Another law targets ghost guns by requiring law enforcement agencies to prohibit their contracted vendors from selling guns meant to be destroyed. The measure received bipartisan support from the Legislature.
Related Story: Warehouse Bill Would Be Job Killer in Fresno. Leaders Call for Newsom’s ...
Enhanced Protections for Domestic Violence Survivors
The new laws also aim at providing more protections for domestic violence survivors. There’ll be fewer exceptions for police officers to continue carrying a gun if they were perpetrators of domestic violence. Law enforcement is also required to take away firearms from offenders.
Newsom also signed legislation banning fake gunfire and fake blood from active-shooter drills in California’s public schools.
Related Story: Gov. Newsom Signs Law Banning All Plastic Shopping Bags at Grocery Stores
The California Legislature, which is controlled by Democrats, has advanced some of the strictest gun laws in the country, but many have not survived court challenges.
Newsom has positioned himself as a leader on gun control while he eyes the national political stage. He has called for and signed a variety of bills, including measures targeting ghost guns that are harder for law enforcement to trace, raising the taxes on guns and ammunition to pay for education and banning people from carrying firearms in most public places. Last year, he kickstarted a campaign calling for a constitutional amendment on gun safety with little success.
RELATED TOPICS:
Really, Secretary Rubio? I’m Lying About the Kids Dying Under Trump?
13 hours ago
Judge Denies Release in Caleb Quick Killing. Defense Cites Alleged Assaults by Victim
13 hours ago
International Basketball Comes to Fresno: Armenia vs. Costa Rica
15 hours ago
Fresno’s Southeast Plan Has a $2.2B Price Tag for Phase 1. Can the City Afford It?
17 hours ago
Trump: Putin Said Russia Would Respond to Ukraine Drone Attacks
17 hours ago

Sunnyvale Pitmaster Smokes Fresno BBQ Competition for Golden Ticket to World Championships

What We Know About the Colorado Attack on Israeli Hostage Demonstrators

Really, Secretary Rubio? I’m Lying About the Kids Dying Under Trump?

Judge Denies Release in Caleb Quick Killing. Defense Cites Alleged Assaults by Victim
