California Gov. Gavin Newsom Vetoes Bill Banning Resale of Firearms by Law Enforcement
In a surprising move, California Gov. Gavin Newsom has vetoed a bill that aimed to prohibit law enforcement agencies from reselling firearms to the public, except through licensed dealers. The governor expressed concerns about the potential financial impact and limitations imposed by the bill.
Announcing his decision on October 8, Mr. Newsom stated, “I am concerned that this bill… will restrict the ability to trade in these firearms and will cost law enforcement agencies across the state millions of dollars at a time when resources are limited, and staffing is low.”
Assembly Bill 733, introduced by Assemblyman Mike Fong (D–Alhambra), aimed to address a gap in state law that allowed surplus firearms obtained by law enforcement agencies to be resold to the general public.
Prior to 2022, there were no restrictions on the resale of such firearms by law enforcement agencies. However, a bill passed last year limited the resale to firearms considered a “nuisance,” such as those surrendered by criminals or unclaimed property.
Assemblyman Fong, in support of the bill, emphasized, “Government entities should not be putting more guns into circulation on the streets of our communities. This practice undermines the efforts of state and local leaders to combat violence, including gun buyback programs.”
The bill was proposed following a recent mass shooting in Monterey Park, which falls within Mr. Fong’s district. According to Mr. Fong, a local law enforcement agency was planning to auction surplus firearms online during the same weekend as the shooting.
Opponents of the bill included over 20 law enforcement associations across the state. They argued that restricting the resale of firearms would hinder departments within these agencies from offsetting costs.
The Riverside Sheriffs’ Association stated in the analysis, “It makes little financial sense to prohibit a department from returning surplus firearms to a manufacturer/wholesaler for refund or purchase credit.”
What was Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez’s proposed bill aimed at addressing?
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The bill, proposed by Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez, aimed to address concerns about firearms being sold to the public and then circulating in illegal markets. It sought to ensure that law enforcement agencies took appropriate measures to dispose of weapons that are no longer needed or have become surplus. The bill would have required agencies to sell these firearms only through licensed firearm dealers.
Despite its good intentions, Governor Newsom expressed reservations about the bill’s impact on law enforcement agencies. He stated, “While I applaud the goals of this bill, I believe it is important to take into account the financial implications for law enforcement agencies.” The governor cited the potential cost of having to use licensed dealers for every firearm transaction, as well as the restriction it would impose on agencies’ ability to trade in firearms.
The veto has sparked mixed reactions. Supporters of the bill argue that it is necessary to prevent firearms from falling into the wrong hands and contributing to crime. They believe that law enforcement agencies should be held accountable for the weapons they possess and ensure their responsible disposal. They argue that reselling firearms through licensed dealers would provide better regulation and tracking of these weapons.
On the other hand, critics of the bill, including some law enforcement agencies, state that it would burden their already limited resources. They contend that the costs associated with using licensed dealers for every firearm sale would be significant, potentially reaching millions of dollars. They argue that these funds could be better allocated to other law enforcement priorities, such as training, equipment, and community programs.
This veto comes in the context of a broader debate on gun control and the balance between public safety and Second Amendment rights. California has been at the forefront of enacting stricter gun control measures, with Governor Newsom signing a slate of new gun-control laws just last month. However, this recent veto highlights the complexities and challenges faced when trying to navigate this contentious issue.
The decision to veto the bill does not mean that concerns about firearms being resold by law enforcement agencies have been disregarded. Governor Newsom acknowledged the need for accountability and responsible disposal of firearms but stated that the financial implications and limitations imposed by the bill could hinder law enforcement agencies’ operations.
It remains to be seen how this decision will impact future efforts to regulate the resale of firearms by law enforcement agencies in California. As the debate continues, it is vital to consider the perspectives of both public safety advocates and law enforcement agencies to find a balanced solution that addresses concerns about firearms while also considering the practical and financial constraints faced by those tasked with ensuring public safety.
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