California is on the brink of implementing significant changes to its firearm storage laws. A bill by State Senator Anthony Portantino, SB53, has advanced swiftly through the legislative process. After passing the State Senate by a vote of 27-9, it recently cleared the Assembly Public Safety Committee, moving closer to becoming law, as reported by Copper Jacket TV in a recent video.
New Requirements and Penalties
SB53 introduces stringent new requirements and severe penalties for non-compliance with California’s “safe storage” law. Currently, firearms in California must be stored in a locked container or disabled with a trigger lock when not being carried. The new bill expands on these requirements and significantly increases penalties for violations.
First-Time Offense
For a first-time offense, the violation is classified as an infraction, similar to receiving a ticket, with a fine of up to $500. However, even this initial infraction carries a heavy consequence: the offender will lose their Second Amendment rights for one year. This means all firearms owned by the individual will be confiscated, and they will be prohibited from acquiring or possessing any new firearms during this period.
Subsequent Offenses
For subsequent offenses, the penalties escalate. Offenders could face misdemeanor charges and an extended ban on firearm possession and purchase. In severe cases, violations could be classified as wobblers, potentially leading to felony charges, depending on the circumstances and severity of the offense.
Safe Storage Devices
One of the critical changes introduced by SB53 is the requirement for all firearms sold or transferred in California to come with a state-approved lockbox or safe. The Department of Justice will maintain a roster of approved safety devices, ensuring they meet stringent security standards, such as having at least 10,000 possible combinations, being protected by drill-hardened steel, and featuring three steel locking bolts at least half an inch thick.
Financial Impact on Firearm Purchases
The new requirements for safe storage devices are expected to increase the cost of purchasing firearms. Basic lockboxes can cost around $20, while more robust safes for long guns can range from $90 to $200. These costs will be in addition to the 11% excise tax already applied to firearm purchases, significantly raising the overall expense for gun buyers in California.
Implementation Timeline
If signed into law, SB53 will take effect in stages. The new penalties, including the one-year prohibition on firearm possession for first-time offenders, will begin on July 1, 2025. The requirement for firearms to be sold with a state-approved lockbox or safe will follow on July 1, 2026, giving retailers and consumers time to adjust to the new regulations.
Legislative and Public Response
The passage of SB53 has sparked significant debate. Supporters argue that the bill will enhance public safety by ensuring responsible firearm storage practices. They point to data from a 2019 U.S. Department of Homeland Security report, which found that 76% of attackers in school shootings obtained firearms from their parents’ or close relatives’ homes, often because they were not securely stored.
Opposition and Constitutional Concerns
Opponents of SB53 argue that the bill is unconstitutional, citing the Supreme Court’s decision in Heller v. DC, which ruled that requiring firearms in the home to be disassembled or bound by a trigger lock impedes the core lawful purpose of self-defense. They fear that the stringent storage requirements could make it difficult for law-abiding citizens to access their firearms in emergencies.
Broader Implications
California’s move to tighten firearm storage laws is part of a broader trend seen in other states like Rhode Island and Minnesota, which have also passed or are considering similar legislation. These efforts reflect a growing focus on gun safety and the prevention of firearm-related incidents through legislative measures.
Call to Action
As SB53 moves closer to becoming law, advocacy groups on both sides of the debate are mobilizing. Supporters of the bill urge individuals to contact their representatives to voice their support, while opponents are calling on gun owners and Second Amendment advocates to speak out against the bill. The outcome of this legislative battle will have significant implications for gun owners in California and potentially set a precedent for other states considering similar measures.
Violation of Multiple Amendments?
People in the comments shared their thoughts: “This obviously violates the 2nd Amendment, but how does this not violate the 8th Amendment against cruel and unusual punishment?!”
One commenter had an important question: “Where is our protection for the continuous stream of unconstitutional laws ???????”
Others aren’t worried about this: “1. Unconstitutional. 2. They won’t be able to enforce this without warrantless entries. Useless bill.”
Future Prospects
California’s SB53 represents a significant shift in the state’s approach to firearm safety and storage. With major penalties and strict new requirements, the bill aims to reduce the risk of firearms falling into the wrong hands. As it advances towards the governor’s desk, the debate over its implications for public safety and constitutional rights continues to intensify. The final decision will likely have far-reaching consequences for the future of gun legislation in California and beyond.
Impact on Gun Ownership in California
What do you think? How might the new safe storage requirements impact gun ownership and sales in California? What are the potential benefits and drawbacks of requiring firearms to be sold with state-approved lockboxes or safes? How do constitutional concerns raised by opponents of SB53 compare with the public safety arguments made by its supporters?
See the full video on Copper Jacket TV’s YouTube channel for more details here.
