California Ranks Number One with the Strongest Gun Laws in the Nation
California continues to rank best in the nation for strong gun reform measures, according to a new state analysis by the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence and the Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence. California received an A- and ranked number one in this year's, "2013 State Scorecard: Why Gun Laws Matter" produced by the organizations.
“This year California Brady Chapters sent 18 bills to the Governor and a record eleven bills were signed into law, including measures to keep guns out of dangerous hands and closing loopholes in California’s law prohibiting large capacity magazines. The research shows that strong gun laws can keep people safe from gun violence. We know that California’s strong gun laws are saving lives,” said Amanda Wilcox, the Legislation and Policy Chair for the California Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence.
“We know state gun laws fill critical gaps in our federal law, but there is still work to be done when anyone can go to a neighboring state and evade California’s critical gun measures,” added Wilcox. “That is why we need Congress to finish the job and extend background checks to all gun sales.” Currently, guns purchased at gun shows and online, roughly 40% of all guns sales do not have to go through federal a background check. This makes it easier for anyone with intent to do harm to cross state lines and obtain a gun no questions asked.
The deadly shooting in Newtown prompted eight states to pass major gun reforms in 2013, including five states passed new laws requiring background checks on all gun sales.
“When states act to pass stronger gun laws, those gun laws benefit all our citizens and send a message to Congress that it is time to act. States like California are leading the way on gun reform and creating a safer nation,” added Wilcox.
There is more work to be done according to a new state analysis by the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence and the Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence. The scorecard shows that the regulation of ammunition sales is an important gap in California law. In 2014, the California Brady Chapters will push SB 53, which requires background checks for ammunition purchasers. The policy is supported by 75% of Californians.
The state scorecard ranks all 50 states by letter grades and on a 100-point system that is based on laws that can prevent gun violence and reduce the number of firearm death and injury.
States received points for having effective laws in each policy area, with stronger laws receiving more points. States lost points for irresponsible measures that increase the likelihood of gun violence, such as laws that allow individuals to carry loaded, concealed weapons in public without a permit. Ultimately, every state was awarded a letter grade indicating the overall strength or weakness of its gun laws.
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