Assembly Democrats express intention to advance legislation that prevents gun violence and keeps our communities safe.
SACRAMENTO— Assembly Speaker Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) and Speaker-Elect Anthony Rendon (D-Paramount) have released the following statement regarding the potential for gun violence bills to come before the Legislature this session:
“There has been much discussion about what the California Legislature will do on the issue of gun violence. The Assembly will be working with our colleagues in the State Senate to advance legislation that prevents gun violence and keeps our communities safe, while balancing Second Amendment rights. The recent Field Poll showed broad bipartisan support in California for common sense measures to keep firearms out of the wrong hands. Too many lives have been lost and too many families have been shattered by gun violence for us not to act. When so many have fallen, the responsibility is on us to stand up and do what’s right.”
Other members of the Assembly added the following statements:
Assemblymember Rob Bonta (D-Oakland):
“President Obama left an empty seat at his State of the Union address last night to highlight the human impact of America’s gun violence epidemic and his courageous executive action to reduce gun violence despite Congressional gridlock. I am proud to join my colleagues and our President in the fight against gun violence by strengthening California’s laws and supporting programs that improve life outcomes in our disadvantaged communities. Now’s the time to act.”
Assemblymember David Chiu (D-San Francisco):
“The gun violence epidemic facing San Francisco, California and the nation must end. Guns, including what are essentially military assault weapons, are too easy to access and are falling into the wrong hands. Our state has led the nation in taking legislative action to protect its residents but there is always more that can be done. California must again rise to the occasion and take aggressive action this year to reduce gun violence.”
Assemblymember Mike A. Gipson (D-Carson):
“Existing law currently allows too much access to individuals who probably should not possess or have access to dangerous firearms. On the heels of the tragic events in San Bernardino, as well as a number of violent attacks committed with high capacity firearms nationwide, it is critical that we close every potential avenue someone with ill intentions might use to gain access to dangerous firearms.”
Assemblymember Marc Levine (D-Marin County):
“President Obama has addressed the need to stop gun violence in our communities and called on Congress to pass strict gun laws. In the wake of the San Bernardino shootings, it is clear that California must do much more to strengthen our gun laws. I am committed to addressing gun violence in the current legislative session.”
Assemblymember Kevin McCarty (D-Sacramento):
“California is leading on smart gun laws, but we can do more. Doing so will keep guns out of criminal hands and help curb violence. It's unacceptable that across our country, 5% of gun dealers supply nearly 90% of all the crime guns that police recover on our streets. I look forward to working on legislation to crack down on illegal gun sales.”
Assemblymember Miguel Santiago (D-Los Angeles):
“Gun violence is an issue that is of vital importance to me. I worked hard last year to ensure that higher education campuses have emergency plans in place in the event of an active shooter incident. And, I intend to introduce a measure shortly to further reduce gun violence and trafficking in California. I applaud the President's leadership on this issue in the wake of some terrible tragedies; but it is clear that we still have much work to do.”
Website of Assembly Speaker Toni G. Atkins: a62.asmdc.org
Website of Assembly Speaker-Elect Anthony Rendon: www.asmdc.org/anthony-rendon
CONTACT: Atkins – John Casey (916) 319-2408
Rendon – Kevin Liao (916) 319-2063