Assemblymember Kevin McCarty’s bill to keep guns and ammunition out of the hands of prohibited persons signed by the Governor

SACRAMENTO – Assemblylmember Kevin McCarty’s (D-Sacramento) gun violence prevention bill, keeping firearms and ammunition out of the hands of those who are prohibited from owning them, was signed by Governor Gavin Newsom, Tuesday morning. AB 2551 requires the Department of Justice (DOJ) to notify local law enforcement of attempted firearm and ammunition purchases from prohibited persons.

According to a Department of Justice (DOJ) 2021 report to the Legislature, there are more than 24,000 people who are armed with a firearm or ammunition despite being prohibited from owning or possessing those items.

Collaboration between local law enforcement and the DOJ is one of the most powerful tools to reduce the number of prohibited persons that are armed, as local agencies offer speed and efficiency during investigations due to their ability to immediately respond to lost or stolen firearm reports.

“I am proud AB 2551 has been signed by the Governor,” said Assemblymember McCarty. “California has seen devastating gun violence in recent months, especially in my district of Sacramento. It’s important we are keeping families safe from gun violence, and in California, it is proven that gun safety laws work and will continue to work. This has been a bi-partisan effort and I want to thank Senator Jim Neilson for his partnership.”

In order to prevent gun violence, AB 2551 will play a vital role in keeping deadly weapons out of the hands of those most likely to perpetrate violence.

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Kevin McCarty represents California’s 7th Assembly District, which include the cities of Sacramento, West Sacramento and unincorporated Sacramento County. McCarty serves as Chair of the Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance. Website of Assemblymember Kevin McCarty: https://a06.asmdc.org/