State of California Archives: on Gun Control


Kevin Mullin: Voted YES on wider definition of assault rifles

Excerpts from Legislative Counsel's Digest:

Existing law defines as assault weapon as a semiautomatic, centerfire rifle that has the capacity to accept a detachable magazine, or a semiautomatic weapon that has a fixed magazine with a capacity to accept 10 or more rounds.

This bill would add to that definition a semiautomatic centerfire rifle without a fixed magazine even if it accepts fewer than 10 rounds.

Status: (with 2 additional bills voted & vetoed in same week)

Source: California legislative voting record for SB374 Sep 12, 2013

Adam Gray: Don't lift statutory cap on concealed carry license fee

Summary from California Rifle & Pistol Association: AB1297 removes the statutory cap on this fee for a concealed carry license, and instead requires local licensing authorities to charge a fee "equal to the reasonable costs for processing the application for a new license, issuing the license, and enforcing the license."

Legislative Outcome: Passed Assembly 48-21-11 on May/13/19; Rep. Gray voted NO; passed Senate 27-12-1 on Sept/9/19; Signed by Gov. Newsom on Oct/11/19.

Source: CRPA on California Legislative voting record AB1297 May 13, 2019

Kevin Mullin: Lift statutory cap on concealed carry license fee

Summary from California Rifle & Pistol Association: AB1297 removes the statutory cap on this fee for a concealed carry license, and instead requires local licensing authorities to charge a fee "equal to the reasonable costs for processing the application for a new license, issuing the license, and enforcing the license."

Legislative Outcome: Passed Assembly 48-21-11 on May/13/19; Rep. Mullin voted YES; passed Senate 27-12-1 on Sept/9/19; Signed by Gov. Newsom on Oct/11/19.

Source: CRPA on California Legislative voting record AB1297 May 13, 2019

Kevin Kiley: Don't lift statutory cap on concealed carry license fee

Summary from California Rifle & Pistol Association: AB1297 removes the statutory cap on this fee for a concealed carry license, and instead requires local licensing authorities to charge a fee "equal to the reasonable costs for processing the application for a new license, issuing the license, and enforcing the license."

Legislative Outcome: Passed Assembly 48-21-11 on May/13/19; Rep. Kiley voted NO; passed Senate 27-12-1 on Sept/9/19; Signed by Gov. Newsom on Oct/11/19.

Source: CRPA on California Legislative voting record AB1297 May 13, 2019

Alex Padilla: 2006: Stopped felons from possessing body armor

In 2006, Alex was elected to the State Senate. He passed common-sense gun safety measures like tracking stolen guns and stopping felons from possessing body armor
Source: 2022 California Senate campaign website Alex-Padilla.com Dec 23, 2020

Alex Padilla: Voted YES on wider definition of assault rifles

Excerpts from Legislative Counsel's Digest:Status: (with 2 additional bills voted & vetoed in same week)
Source: California legislative voting record for SB374 Sep 12, 2013

Antonio Villaraigosa: Supports Life Act: restrict ammunition, licenses, & weapons

As lawmakers began to consider more than a dozen gun control measures, L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa flew to Sacramento to urge them to take "dramatic and heroic" action. Villaraigosa referred to mass shootings, including the one that killed 20 children and six adults at Sandy Hook Elementary School, in asking lawmakers to approve a package of bills dubbed as the "Life Act."

The proposals include requirements for licenses and background checks for those buying ammunition. They also would close loopholes on the possession of assault weapons with large-capacity magazines. "We have seen too many children killed or living in the aftermath of horrific violence," Villaraigosa told a packed hearing of the Senate Public Safety Committee. "You have before you the opportunity to make our laws stronger, an opportunity to make California a leader again on the issue of gun violence," he added.

The NRA said the legislation violates their constitutional rights and punishes law-abiding gun owners.

Source: Los Angeles Times on 2014 California Governor race Apr 16, 2013

Antonio Villaraigosa: Ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines

Q: You are one of the mayors who is trying to do something about guns. What do you want to see in that field?

VILLARAIGOSA: You know, after Newtown, the massacre of 22 children in an elementary school, we can find a middle ground here. I do believe that we need an assault weapons ban. In California, I was one of the authors of the assault weapons ban. It's important. I think we need to ban high-capacity magazines. We need universal background checks. Right now 40% of all the sales of guns and assault weapons are done privately. And you don't need a background check for that. We need to repeal the Tiahrt amendments which say that you have to throw away a background check after 24 hours and really limits the ability of the federal, state, and local governments to work together to get guns out of the hands of criminals and people that shouldn't have them, the mentally ill. We've got to do a lot more to provide mental health services, and fortify our mental health registries.

Source: Face the Nation 2013 on 2014 California gubernatorial race Jan 13, 2013

Antonio Villaraigosa: Member of Mayors Against Illegal Guns

Mayors in 700 cities joined in support of President Barack Obama's call for Congress to adopt the most sweeping gun control measures in more than 20 years, including increased background checks and bans on assault weapons and large ammunition clips. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, a member of the national Mayors Against Illegal Guns campaign, said: "We know, because we've been through this before, through the passage of time, resolution to change withers. This time, we cannot allow that to happen."

Villaraigosa said he supports the package presented by Obama, adding he will seek to have the city's three pension funds divest themselves of any money invested with arms or ammunition manufacturers. "I don't want to see the city make one quarter, not one dime, from the manufacturers of these weapons of war," Villaraigosa said. The mayor said he was asking for a report on the extent of the investments and what would be involved in any divestment strategy.

Source: Huffington Post on 2014 California governor's race Jan 17, 2013

Antonio Villaraigosa: Ban sales of assault weapons and Saturday night specials

When he was speaker of the state Assembly, Villaraigosa was the co-author of legislation banning the sales of assault weapons and Saturday night specials in the state. "California should join with New York in again becoming a national leader on this issue," Villaraigosa said. The New York legislature this week adopted a series of tough measures designed to control gun sales.
Source: Huffington Post on 2014 California governor's race Jan 17, 2013

Brian Dahle: Voted NO on wider definition of assault rifles

Excerpts from Legislative Counsel's Digest:
Source: California legislative voting records: SB 374 Sep 12, 2013

Christy Smith: Lift statutory cap on concealed carry license fee

Summary from California Rifle & Pistol Association: AB1297 removes the statutory cap on this fee for a concealed carry license, and instead requires local licensing authorities to charge a fee "equal to the reasonable costs for processing the application for a new license, issuing the license, and enforcing the license."

Legislative Outcome: Passed Assembly 48-21-11 on May/13/19; passed Senate 27-12-1 on Sept/9/19; Sen. Smith voted YES; Signed by Gov. Newsom on Oct/11/19.

Source: CRPA on California Legislative voting record AB1297 Sep 9, 2019

Connie Conway: Voted NO on wider definition of assault rifles

Legislative Counsel's Digest:
Source: California legislative voting records: SB 374 Sep 12, 2013

Dan Quayle: Instant gun checks OK, but real issue is self-control

The quick fix artists are now in a frenzy over guns [due to the Littleton killings]. Certainly there are things we can do concerning guns. The instant check system works. And we need to enforce the laws on the books that deal with gun violence. But the overriding issue isn’t really gun control, it’s self-control. A child who loves God, honors his parents, and respects his neighbors will not kill anyone. In our hearts we know that the answer to tragedies like Littleton is in changing the culture.
Source: Speech to the Commonwealth Club of California May 19, 1999

Gavin Newsom: Supports background checks

Newsom is a longtime foe of the NRA. He was a primary sponsor of Proposition 63, a ballot measure voters approved in November that requires background checks to purchase ammunition, bans possession of high-capacity magazines and other gun-safety efforts.
Source: Los Angeles Times on 2018 California gubernatorial race Jun 30, 2017

Gavin Newsom: Allow suits against gun makers for negligence

California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill allowing individuals as well as the state and local governments to sue gun makers for negligence, potentially paving the way to a wave of lawsuits if the legislation survives inevitable legal challenges. "If you've been hurt or a family member is a victim of gun violence, you can now go to court and hold these makers of deadly weapons accountable," Newsom said as he signed the bill in a tweeted video message.
Source: Fortune magazine on 2022 California Gubernatorial race Jul 12, 2022

Gavin Newsom: Lift statutory cap on concealed carry license fee

Summary from California Rifle & Pistol Association: AB1297 removes the statutory cap on this fee for a concealed carry license, and instead requires local licensing authorities to charge a fee "equal to the reasonable costs for processing the application for a new license, issuing the license, and enforcing the license."

Legislative Outcome: Passed Assembly 48-21-11 on May/13/19; passed Senate 27-12-1 on Sept/9/19; Signed by Governor Gavin Newsom on Oct/11/19.

Source: CRPA on California Legislative voting record AB1297 Oct 11, 2019

Gloria La Riva: Second Amendment guarantees individual gun ownership

Q: Do you support restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns?

No.

Q: Do you believe that the Second Amendment guarantees the right of individual citizens to own guns?

Yes.

Q: Do you support a ban on assault rifles?

No.

Source: California Congressional 2010 Political Courage Test Nov 1, 2010

James Bradley: Citizens have moral, Constitutional right to self-protect

Source: 2021 California Senate campaign website BradleySenate.com Jun 29, 2021

Jared Huffman: 2nd amendment right is not absolute

Q: Do you support restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns?

A: Yes. The 2nd amendment right to keep and bear arms is not absolute. I support the Brady Campaign and other common-sense reforms that respect a limited right to own guns for hunting and personal safety, coupled with reasonable restrictions on gun ownership to protect the public and members of the law enforcement community

Source: California Congressional 2012 Political Courage Test Oct 30, 2012

Jay Obernolte: Don't lift statutory cap on concealed carry license fee

Summary from Calif. Rifle & Pistol Association: AB1297 removes the statutory cap on this fee for a concealed carry license, and instead requires local licensing authorities to charge a fee "equal to the reasonable costs for processing the application for a new license, issuing the license, and enforcing the license."

Legislative Outcome: Passed Assembly 48-21-11 on May/13/19; passed Senate 27-12-1 on Sept/9/19; Sen. Obernolte voted NO; Signed by Gov. Newsom on Oct/11/19.

Source: CRPA on California Legislative voting record AB1297 Sep 9, 2019

Jerry Brown: Ban hunting with lead bullets; but detachable magazines OK

Brown approved 11 firearms measures that are designed to tighten controls on weapons and ammunition in California. The governor vetoed 7 gun-related bills, including one that would have outlawed semiautomatic rifles with detachable magazines, one that would have allowed Oakland to create its own registry of gun owners, and another that would have essentially prevented the Cow Palace from hosting gun shows. The 18 firearms-related bills on the governor's desk were crafted in the wake of December's Newtown CT elementary school massacre. Among the gun-related bills signed by the governor:
Source: SFGate.com on 2014 California governor's race Oct 12, 2013

Jerry Brown: Include semiautomatic pistols in unsafe handgun law

Gov. Jerry Brown has signed a gun control measure eliminating an exemption for certain semiautomatic pistols from California's unsafe handgun law, Brown's office announced. Assembly Bill 1964 is designed to limit the exemption for single-shot pistols from the state's unsafe handgun roster, excluding semiautomatic pistols altered to not fire in semiautomatic mode.

Gun control advocates argued the exemption allowed gun dealers to sell temporarily altered single-shot pistols to people who could convert them back into semiautomatic weapons that do not comply with state safety requirements. The California Association of Federal Firearms Licensees, which opposed the bill, said it will "further narrow California's already onerous and overly burdensome 'not unsafe' handgun roster and eliminate more firearms from the non-peace officer marketplace," according to a legislative analysis.

The bill passed the Legislature largely on partisan lines, with Democrats in support & Republicans opposed.

Source: Sacramento Bee on 2014 California governor race Jul 18, 2014

Jerry Brown: Ban large-capacity kits, but veto other gun restrictions

Excerpts from Legislative Counsel's Digest:
Source: California legislative voting records: SB 374 & AB 48 Oct 11, 2013

Jimmy Gomez: Voted YES on wider definition of assault rifles

Excerpts from Legislative Counsel's Digest:
Source: California legislative voting records: SB 374 Sep 10, 2013

Kamala Harris: No gun ownership for dangerous convicts or mentally ill

Harris said she wants to bring a rational approach to issues such as drug policy and gun control that doesn't cast them as all-or-nothing choices, though she was took liberal positions on those issues. "It's just pretty simple, reasonable stuff. If somebody has been convicted of a felony that proves them to be a dangerous person, they should not be able to own a gun. If somebody has been found by a court to be mentally ill to the point that they are danger to themselves or other people they should not be able to own or possess a gun," she said.
Source: San Gabriel Valley Tribune on 2016 California Senate debate Apr 25, 2016

Kevin de Leon: Background checks for ammo dealers

Throughout his decade in the legislature, Senator de Le¢n has fought for sensible gun control. In 2016, he led the charge to enact the most stringent gun control policies in a generation, including his groundbreaking SB 1235 requiring background checks for anyone who buys or sells ammunition.
Source: 2018 California Senatorial website KevinDeLeon.com Oct 15, 2017

Kevin de Leon: Voted YES on wider definition of assault rifles

Excerpts from Legislative Counsel's Digest:
Source: California legislative voting records: SB 374 Sep 12, 2013

Kevin Faulconer: City gun storage law enacted without his signature

The San Diego Safe Storage of Firearms Ordinance requires guns in homes to be stored in a locked container or disabled by a trigger lock unless they are being carried by or are under the control of the owner or authorized user. It became law without the mayor's signature. City Attorney Mara Elliott proposed the ordinance, saying it would guard against accidental shootings. Opponents said the law could keep homeowners from protecting themselves and their families. Faulconer took both positions.
Source: San Diego Union Tribune on 2021 California recall race Sep 13, 2019

Mark DeSaulnier: Voted YES on wider definition of assault rifles

Excerpts from Legislative Counsel's Digest:
Source: California legislative voting records: SB 374 Sep 12, 2013

Mark Meuser: On universal background checks, Congress shall not infringe

On the subject of gun control, when asked if he supports universal background checks, he replied, "I believe the Second Amendment says 'shall not infringe.' Congress shall not infringe."
Source: KPIX TV CBS-5 on 2022 California Senate race Jun 3, 2022

Michael Eisen: Why are politicians reluctant to regulate guns?

[After the Oct. 1 Las Vegas shooting in which 58 people were killed at a music festival from the 32nd floor of a nearby hotel]: If today's headlines were "58 People Killed By Bioengineered Virus" politicians would be falling all over themselves to regulate biotech.
Source: Twitter posting on 2018 California Senate race Oct 2, 2017

Michael Eisen: Shine light on politician's reluctance to regulate guns

[In response to the Oct. 1 Las Vegas concert shooting that killed 58 people]: If today's headlines were "58 People Killed By Bioengineered Virus" politicians would be falling all over themselves to regulate biotech.
Source: Twitter posting on 2018 California Senate race Oct 2, 2017

Mimi Walters: Voted NO on wider definition of assault rifles

Excerpts from Legislative Counsel's Digest:
Source: California legislative voting records: SB 374 Sep 12, 2013

Neel Kashkari: Require background checks before all firearms sales

Kashkari is fiscally conservative, but supports abortion rights and gay marriage. He owns a gun, but he's in favor of requiring background checks before all firearms sales. In the coming weeks, Kashkari's favorability among the state's Republican and independent voters will be tested. Kashkari's voting record over the past two decades could also haunt him: Kashkari has failed to vote in nearly half the elections in which he was eligible since 1998.
Source: Mercury News on 2014 California Gubernatorial race Jan 21, 2014

Norma Torres: Voted YES on wider definition of assault rifles

Excerpts from Legislative Counsel's Digest:
Source: California legislative voting records: SB 374 Sep 12, 2013

Rob Bonta: Voted YES on wider definition of assault rifles

Excerpts from Legislative Counsel's Digest:Status: (with 2 additional bills voted & vetoed in same week)
Source: California legislative voting records SB374 Sep 12, 2013

Rob Bonta: Lift statutory cap on concealed carry license fee

Summary from California Rifle & Pistol Association: AB1297 removes the statutory cap on this fee for a concealed carry license, and instead requires local licensing authorities to charge a fee "equal to the reasonable costs for processing the application for a new license, issuing the license, and enforcing the license."

Legislative Outcome: Passed Assembly 48-21-11 on May/13/19; passed Senate 27-12-1 on Sept/9/19; Sen. Bonta voted YES; Signed by Gov. Newsom on Oct/11/19.

Source: CRPA on California Legislative voting record AB1297 Sep 9, 2019

Rocky Chavez: Voted NO on wider definition of assault rifles

Excerpts from Legislative Counsel's Digest:
Source: California legislative voting records: SB 374 Sep 10, 2013

Salud Carbajal: Keep guns away from those who pose a danger

Pushing for Sensible Gun Laws: When I was a young boy, my sister used my father's gun and committed suicide. I am no stranger to the tragedy inflicted on family in the wake of gun violence. Our community came together after the devastating shootings around UCSB. For me, it underscored the need to do everything we can to keep guns away from those who pose a danger to our society. We need to have common-sense reforms in place, like preventing those on the no-fly list from buying a gun, banning high-capacity ammunition purchases, and putting background checks in place to ensure guns don't fall into the hands of criminals or the mentally ill.
Source: 2016 California House campaign website SaludCarbajal.com Nov 8, 2016

Steve Knight: Additional restrictive gun control laws are unneeded

Q: More restrictive gun control laws are needed now to protect public safety?

Knight: Strongly Disagree

Source: Faith2Action iVoterGuide on 2014 California House race Sep 30, 2014

Steve Knight: Voted NO on wider definition of assault rifles

Excerpts from Legislative Counsel's Digest:
Source: California legislative voting records: SB 374 Sep 12, 2013

Ted Lieu: Voted YES on wider definition of assault rifles

Excerpts from Legislative Counsel's Digest:
Source: California legislative voting records: SB 374 Sep 12, 2013

Travis Allen: Gun laws hurt the innocent

California already has the strictest gun laws in the nation. The simple truth is that criminals will violate any law in pursuit of their criminal acts. Our second amendment rights are clear. We have the right to bear arms, both in our defense and in the defense of others. These proposed "gun restriction" laws are an unconstitutional taking of our rights, and will make all Californians less safe, whether you choose to own a gun or not.
Source: Press release on 2018 California governor race Jun 1, 2016

Travis Allen: Voted NO on wider definition of assault rifles

Excerpts from Legislative Counsel's Digest:
Source: California legislative voting records: SB 374 Sep 10, 2013

  • The above quotations are from State of California Politicians: Archives.
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2016 Presidential contenders on Gun Control:
  Republicans:
Gov.Jeb Bush(FL)
Dr.Ben Carson(MD)
Gov.Chris Christie(NJ)
Sen.Ted Cruz(TX)
Carly Fiorina(CA)
Gov.Jim Gilmore(VA)
Sen.Lindsey Graham(SC)
Gov.Mike Huckabee(AR)
Gov.Bobby Jindal(LA)
Gov.John Kasich(OH)
Gov.Sarah Palin(AK)
Gov.George Pataki(NY)
Sen.Rand Paul(KY)
Gov.Rick Perry(TX)
Sen.Rob Portman(OH)
Sen.Marco Rubio(FL)
Sen.Rick Santorum(PA)
Donald Trump(NY)
Gov.Scott Walker(WI)
Democrats:
Gov.Lincoln Chafee(RI)
Secy.Hillary Clinton(NY)
V.P.Joe Biden(DE)
Gov.Martin O`Malley(MD)
Sen.Bernie Sanders(VT)
Sen.Elizabeth Warren(MA)
Sen.Jim Webb(VA)

2016 Third Party Candidates:
Gov.Gary Johnson(L-NM)
Roseanne Barr(PF-HI)
Robert Steele(L-NY)
Dr.Jill Stein(G,MA)
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Page last updated: Feb 18, 2023