On August 13, Governor Jerry Brown (D) signed an NRA-backed bill which protects the guns of those subject to Gun Violence Restraining Orders (GVROs).
A GVRO, a temporary ban on gun ownership for people believed to be a threat to themselves or others, was instituted in the wake of Elliot Rodger’s Santa Barbara attack.
The NRA opposed GVROs because they open the door for a neighbor or family member to approach a judge and seek the suspension of Second Amendment rights for those with whom they are disgruntled. The language of the GVRO law requires a person subject to such an order to forfeit his guns by either turning them over to police or selling them. The bill Brown signed–AB 950–changes this so that those subject to a GVRO can transfer their guns to a Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder for safe-keeping until the GVRO expires.
AB 950 was sponsored by Assemblywoman Melissa A. Melendez (R-Lake Elsinore). According to Guns.com, once Brown signed the bill, Melendez said, “Today, we witnessed a rare victory for gun owners across California,” adding, “By allowing a trustworthy alternative for gun owners to maintain possession of their firearms, we are preventing any unjustified gun grab against those who may be unfairly targeted by bogus allegations.”
In addition to having the NRA’s support, AB 950 was supported by the California Rifle and Pistol Association.
AB 950 takes effect on January 1, 2016.
Follow AWR Hawkins on Twitter: @AWRHawkins. Reach him directly at awrhawkins@breitbart.com.
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