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In a bid to tighten gun control measures and enhance public safety, California Democrats have proposed a new piece of legislation aimed at revising the requirements for purchasing firearms within the state. The proposed law, known as SB948, seeks to mandate the completion of a comprehensive, state-approved training program, which includes practical, live-fire shooting exercises, as a prerequisite for obtaining the necessary firearm safety certificate.
Under the current regulations, individuals wishing to buy a gun in California must first secure this certificate by successfully passing a written test. However, the introduction of SB948 represents a significant shift in the approach to firearm education and safety. This new bill stipulates that prospective gun buyers undergo an extensive, eight-hour training course, designed to ensure that individuals not only understand firearm safety principles in theory but also demonstrate proficiency and confidence in handling firearms through practical, hands-on experience.
By implementing such rigorous training requirements, the legislators behind SB948 aim to bolster the safety and responsibility of gun ownership across the state, potentially setting a precedent for other states grappling with similar issues. As the debate over gun control continues to evolve, this measure underscores California’s commitment to enhancing the standards for firearm acquisition, balancing the rights of individuals with the broader imperative of community safety.
Existing law requires an applicant for a firearm safety certificate to pass a test developed by the Department of Justice covering specified subjects, including, among others, the laws applicable to carrying and handling firearms and the responsibilities of ownership of firearms.
This bill would require an applicant for a firearm safety certificate, on or after July 1, 2028, to complete a training course no less than 8 hours in length that, among other things, includes instruction on firearm safety and handling and live-fire shooting exercises on a firing range. The bill would authorize the Department of Justice to promulgate regulations and provide additional information for the implementation of this subdivision.