BILL ANALYSIS Ó
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|SENATE RULES COMMITTEE | SJR 1|
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THIRD READING
Bill No: SJR 1
Author: Wolk (D), et al.
Amended: As introduced
Vote: 21
SENATE PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE : 4-2, 2/26/13
AYES: Hancock, Block, Liu, Steinberg
NOES: Anderson, Knight
NO VOTE RECORDED: De León
SUBJECT : Firearms control
SOURCE : Author
DIGEST : This resolution urges the President and the Congress
of the United States to pursue a comprehensive federal approach
to reducing and preventing gun violence, additionally this
resolution urges the President to take steps to ensure all
states and applicable federal agencies are reporting all
necessary records to the National Instant Criminal Background
Check System (NICS).
ANALYSIS : This resolution makes the following legislative
findings:
1. The Sandy Hook Elementary School mass shooting in Newtown,
Connecticut, which resulted in the death of 20 children and
six adults, demonstrated the need for stronger laws to
prevent gun violence.
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2. Numerous factors contribute to the occurrence of mass
shootings, including unregulated access to assault weapons
and assault magazines, insufficient background checks, and
needed improvements to our mental health system, among
others.
3. Semiautomatic assault weapons designed with military
features allow for the rapid fire of potentially large
numbers of bullets, and are distinguishable from standard
sporting firearms by features such as the ability to accept a
detachable magazine, pistol grips, and folding or telescoping
stocks.
4. Seven states, including California, have enacted laws
strictly regulating the possession, manufacture, and transfer
of assault weapons.
5. Mental health records are reported by the state and imported
into the NICS, but currently many state and federal agencies
are not fully participating in this system.
This resolution urges the President and the Congress of the
United States to pursue a comprehensive federal approach to
reducing and preventing gun violence, promptly place assault
weapons and high-capacity assault magazines under the scope of
the National Firearms Act, and require a universal background
check through the NICS for the transfer of all firearms.
FISCAL EFFECT : Fiscal Com.: No
SUPPORT : (Verified 2/27/13)
California Chapters of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun
Violence
Violence Prevention Coalition
Violence Prevention Coalition of Orange County
Women Against Gun Violence
OPPOSITION : (Verified 2/27/13)
California Rifle and Pistol Association
National Rifle Association of America
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JG:k 2/27/13 Senate Floor Analyses
SUPPORT/OPPOSITION: SEE ABOVE
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