Lawmakers, local leaders and law enforcement announce new laws focused on combating gun violence in California.
Members of the California Prosecutors Alliance along with mass shooting survivors gathered in Monterey Park, the site of a recent mass shooting in support of new laws.
Also in attendance were Alhambra Democratic Assemblyman Mike Fong, whose district includes Monterey Park, Monterey Park Mayor José Sánchez, Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascón and gun violence survivor LaNaisha Edwards. .
California Governor Gavin Newsom wants to limit where people can carry concealed weapons after several mass shootings killed dozens across the state in January.
“It is unconscionable that we allow law enforcement to sell guns in our communities,” Cristine Soto DeBerry, Founder and CEO of the Prosecutors Alliance, said in a statement.
“To make matters worse, we have failed to remove the weapons from those convicted of serious crimes. These gun safety bills will limit the rapid proliferation of guns on our streets and keep guns away from those who threaten our safety. »
All three measures were drafted by Fong, who took an outspoken stance to address gun violence. The new bills are ultimately aimed at reducing the number of deaths caused by firearms.
The first measure, AB 732, aims to strengthen the process of removing firearms from people on the government’s prohibited list of possessing firearms because of a criminal conviction.
The measure would increase the process for prosecutors and courts to seize firearms when a person is convicted.
The Department of Justice provides local law enforcement authorities with information that persons within their jurisdiction are on the Armed and Prohibited Persons System list.
“In the 10 years the ban was in effect, mass shootings went down. After Republicans let it expire, mass shootings tripled,” the president said in his speech.
AB 732 wants to require local law enforcement agencies to have a designated person who would keep track of additions to the list.
“The data is clear: more guns mean more violence and more casualties,” Gascón said in a statement. “Law enforcement should be about getting guns off our streets, not arming our communities. I commend Assemblyman Fong and the California Prosecutors Alliance for their leadership and have urged the Legislature to pass these essential gun safety laws.”
The second bill, AB 733, would prohibit state and local agencies from selling ammunition, firearms, gun parts and body armor.
A new weapons detection system will be used in schools in Greenville County, South Carolina, when school begins in about two weeks.
This would ensure that government agencies follow best practices and do not contribute to the introduction of firearms into local communities.
“With shootings taking place almost daily in schools, supermarkets, churches and dance studios, we cannot rely on heroes to stop the endless scourge of gun violence plaguing our country,” Fong said in a statement. a statement.
“Legislators hold the power to end this scourge, and I am proud to lead this effort to help get guns off our streets. I look forward to working in partnership with the Alliance of California Prosecutors and advocate for gun safety to pass these measures.
The third measure, AB 1638, would help expand translation services for non-English speaking Californians to obtain appropriate information related to local emergencies such as mass shootings and other casualty events.
This story first appeared on Telemundo 52’s sister station NBCLA. Click here to read this story in English.