California lawmakers are considering at least five new proposals to toughen the state's gun control laws, already among the toughest in the nation, following last week's deadly shooting in Connecticut, according to the
Contra Costa Times.
State Sen. Leland Yee, a Democrat well-known in the state for promoting anti-gun legislation, is pushing two bills.
The first would prohibit semi-automatic weapons such as AR-15s and AK-47s from using "bullet buttons," a device that allows for easy reloading of multi-bullet ammunition clips. The second bill would require yearly registration and background checks for gun ownership.
Three other lawmakers are pushing additional measures.
Democratic state Sen. Kevin DeLeon’s legislation would require a background check and permit to buy ammunition, subject to annual updates, while Sen. Ted Lieu’s proposal would mandate public schools to establish safety plans in the event of an emergency.
Even some Republicans have jumped on the bandwagon, the Times reported. Sen. Ted Gaines is promoting a bill that would permanently prohibit the mentally ill from obtaining firearms.
California has approved 45 gun-control laws since 1989, after a tragic shooting in a Stockton schoolyard left five children dead and 29 wounded.
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