Governor Gavin Newsom signed legislation on Monday allowing the state, local governments, and Californians to sue gun manufacturers as part of new efforts to hold the firearms business more accountable.
Here is a video showing the governor signing the legislation.
“California stands with the victims and families of gun violence.
According to Governor Newsom, the gun business can no longer hide behind the terrible damage that its goods create.
“Gun makers must be held accountable for their part in this disaster if our children, families, and communities are to live in a world free of gun violence.
Gun manufacturers should be held accountable when consumers are injured or killed by their goods, just like nearly every other sector.
By means of AB 1594, which was created by Assemblymen Phil Ting (D-San Francisco), Mike A. Gipson (D-Carson), and Chris Ward (D-San Diego), people, local authorities, and the California Attorney General are now able to sue negligent gun makers and sellers for the damage their goods cause.
“Gun violence has surpassed car accidents as the main cause of death for children and teenagers in the US. There isn’t a stronger case in my opinion for stricter gun control laws.
I am grateful that the Governor signed AB 1594, stated Assemblyman Ting.
“The weapons business has enjoyed federal immunity from civil litigation for far too long, which has given them little incentive to abide by our laws.
By stopping unlawful sales and theft, they may finally feel pressured to take action to minimize gun violence.
According to Attorney General Rob Bonta, “there have been more mass shootings in our country than there are days in a year, and yet many members of the gun business continue to utilize a mix of coercion, exploitation, and terror to rack up profits from the very equipment used in these massacres.”
There is no justification for the gun business to be the sole one insulated from liability for the harm that its goods create, particularly given that these items inflict thousands of American deaths annually.
In California, we refuse to accept the loss of innocent lives with only thoughts and prayers; instead, we demand and will take immediate, decisive action.
I am appreciative that the Governor signed AB 1594, allowing Californians to hold the firearms industry responsible for the harm done by its goods. We won’t let this industry off the hook in California.
The Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act, passed by Congress in 2005, protects gun manufacturers and dealers from civil lawsuits when crimes are committed with the help of the weapons they make.
AB 1594 makes use of a federal statute exception that enables gun manufacturers or sellers to be held liable for breaking state regulations governing the marketing or sale of weapons.
Assemblymember Mike A. Gipson and Phil Ting, co-authors of AB 1594, said, “I am happy to stand with my colleague from San Francisco in thanking the Governor for signing this historic bill that challenges the stronghold of the gun lobby and gives justice to gun tragedy sufferers” (D-Carson).
“Our message is crystal clear: California will not turn a blind eye to the gun industry’s direct involvement in the killing machines they permit to wreak daily havoc on our streets and the deaths of our loved ones.
This level of accountability is applied to other sectors and their products, including those that are not deadly.
To achieve the kind of parity that will save lives and establish an example for the rest of the country to follow, we are standing together today against the doubters.
Assemblymember Chris Ward said, “This bill is a critical step in holding irresponsible, reckless, and negligent gun manufacturers, distributors, and sellers accountable” (D-San Diego).
“Despite having fewer than 5% of the global population, the United States accounts for around 30% of all mass shootings worldwide.
I’m honoured to have co-authored AB 1594 and to support other sensible gun control measures that will make our communities safer.
Gun safety laws in California save lives and serve as a national example for other states to follow. California was named the nation’s top state for gun safety in 2021 by the Giffords Law Center.
California’s gun death rate decreased by 37% compared to the national average when the state’s gun restrictions were tightened.
Meanwhile, the rate of gun deaths increased by double digits in other states with looser gun laws, such as Florida and Texas.
has reduced its gun death rate by half as a result of its initiatives, and compared to residents of other states, its residents are 25% less likely to perish in a mass shooting.
As part of the California Violence Intervention and Prevention Grant Program, Governor Newsom revealed a record $156 million in grants last month (CalVIP). 79 cities and nonprofit organizations that are putting in place anti-violence programs tailored to the particular requirements of their local communities will receive help from the funds.
According to a recent research by the Violence Prevention Research Program at the University of California, Davis, 58 potential mass shootings were prevented by California’s red flag statute.
The Governor additionally signed:
Firearms is the subject of Assemblyman Kevin McCarty’s (D-Sacramento) AB 2551.
AB 1645 – State parks: concession contracts: Crystal Cove State Park, sponsored by Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris (D-Laguna Beach).