BILL ANALYSIS AB 295 Page 1 ASSEMBLY THIRD READING AB 295 (Corbett) As Amended May 26, 1999 Majority vote PUBLIC SAFETY 5-2 APPROPRIATIONS 13-6 ----------------------------------------------------------------- |Ayes:|Honda, Cedillo, Keeley, |Ayes:|Migden, Corbett, Davis, | | |Romero Washington | |Hertzberg, Kuehl, Aroner, | | | | |Shelley, Steinberg, | | | | |Thomson, Wesson, Wiggins, | | | | |Wright, Longville | | | | | | |-----+--------------------------+-----+--------------------------| |Nays:|Battin, Oller |Nays:|Brewer, Ashburn, | | | | |Campbell, Granlund, | | | | |Ackerman, Runner | ----------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY : Proposes a number of changes to the laws regulating gun shows and promoters of gun shows. Requires promoters of gun shows to obtain a "gun show promoter license" from the Department of Justice (DOJ). Obligates the promoter to notify law enforcement regarding specified details of the gun show. Requires that each gun show have a "security plan" which must include a police officer specially trained by DOJ regarding gun shows. Specifically, this bill : 1)Requires any person who produces, promotes, sponsors, operates or otherwise organizes a gun show or event to possess a valid "gun show promoter license" issues by DOJ. 2)Requires DOJ to issue the gun show promoter license to an applicant unless DOJ's records indicate the applicant is prohibited from possessing firearms. 3)Specifies that the gun show promoter license shall be valid for two years from the date of issuance. 4)Requires DOJ to adopt regulations to administer the gun show promoter license program, and recover the costs of the program by fees assessed applicants for licenses or renewals. 5)Requires DOJ, as part of the gun show promoter license AB 295 Page 2 program, to provide special training for officers regarding the local, state and federal laws relating to the sale of firearms at gun shows. 6)Provides that a promoter's knowing violation of this bill is a misdemeanor punishable by ineligibility for a gun show promoter license for two years, and a $2,000 fine. A vendor's violation is a misdemeanor punishable by a $2,000 fine. 7)Requires the promoter no less than 30 days before the show starts, to notify local enforcement, DOJ, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (BATF) of the gun show, the date, time, duration of the show, and location of the show. 8)Requires the promoter to submit a written security plan to local law enforcement not later than 15 days before the event begins and, if law enforcement approves the plan, it shall provide policing. 9)Requires the promoter of the gun show to consult with the sheriff or chief of police on the security plan, and to contract with local law enforcement to provide policing services at the promoter's expense. If local police cannot satisfy security needs, DOJ agents will be requested to assist at the promoter's expense. Approval of the security plan will not be a basis for imposing liability on local law enforcement or local government. Requires local law enforcement to submit its estimate of costs within 30 days of the event. 10)Requires the security plan to provide, at a minimum, the following: a) specify a police officer in charge of the gun show who has received special training regarding gun shows by the DOJ (see #6 above); b) identify the number and location of other officers patrolling the event; and, c) provide a complete and accurate list of all persons, entities, and organizations that have leased or rented any table, display space, or area at the gun show. 11)Requires the promoter, upon request, to make available within 24 hours to law enforcement an accurate and complete list of gun show participants for every day the show operates. 12)Obligates the promoter to inform all prospective gun show vendors of the requirements of the law and ensure that all vendors and their employees have obtained a dealer's license. AB 295 Page 3 13)Specifies if a vendor fails to cooperate with a promoter or fails to comply with the law's requirements, the vendor shall be prohibited from participating in the event. 14)Specifies if a promoter fails to provide information required by the law, or fails to ensure that all vendors possess all required permits, the gun show shall be closed down by local law enforcement until these requirements are met. 15)Redefines "transaction" as it relates to the sale or transfer of title of concealable firearms, but not the lease of such firearm, as each firearm sold, or whose title is otherwise transferred, shall be considered a separate transaction. FISCAL EFFECT : According to the Assembly Appropriations Committee analysis, this bill has unknown significant costs to: 1)DOJ, fully offset by fees charged to gun show promoters. DOJ is endeavoring to determine what level of reimbursement may be required; and, 2)Local law enforcement for providing gun show security. These costs would be fully reimbursed by gun show promoters. COMMENTS : Please see the policy committee analysis for a more comprehensive discussion of this bill. Analysis Prepared by : Harry Dorfman / PUB. S. / (916) 319-3744 FN: 0001033