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Assembly Public Safety Committee defeated Assembly Bill 758 authored by Assemblymember Diane Dixon (R-Newport Beach) on a party-line vote. This bill would have created an enhancement for the possession or use of an unregistered gun when committing a felony.
“California has some of the strictest gun laws in the nation, yet we still experience tragic mass shootings every year.” Said Dixon, “This common sense legislation would have cracked down on the criminal use of ghost guns to help Californians feel safer in their communities.”
According to a study by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) more than 30% of all guns that law enforcement recovers are considered ghost guns, or firearms without a serial number. AB 758 would not have impacted gun users who follow the law. Specifically, the enhancement would add an additional two years in prison if the firearm is in possession during the felony or three years if the firearm is used in the commission of a felony or attempted felony. It would elevate ghost guns to the same level of enhancement that one receives if using an assault weapon when a felony is committed.
“This bill specifically targets individuals who use ghost guns because they are untraceable by law enforcement.” Dixon commented. “We need to go after people who are illegally using firearms to harm our communities, not law abiding gun owners. This enhancement provides a reasonable opportunity for additional rehabilitation while incarcerated.”
Assemblymember Dixon was granted reconsideration in the hopes that next year the committee will pass the measure.
