(SACRAMENTO, CA) – Today, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill (SB) 241 to establish mandatory training and new gun dealer safety certifications to prevent theft, straw purchases, and other nefarious crimes that result from a lack of security parameters in the United States’ gun dealer industry. The law requires all federally licensed firearm dealers in the State of California, and their employees, to complete annual safety training provided by the California Department of Justice. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) reports there are 1,903 federally licensed dealers or pawn brokers of firearms operating in California, including more than 20 stores registered in Orange County.
“It’s no secret that nearly all gun violence starts with legally purchased firearms, and here in California, we’re taking a long hard look at the role that gun stores play in this nationwide epidemic,” said Senator Min. “Shockingly, no federally licensed firearm dealer is required to undergo any form of safety training to prevent theft, fraud, and illegal purchases. Thanks to Governor Newsom’s leadership, that practice ends under this new law. I am incredibly proud of our partners at Brady for working together to put in place what I hope will be a roadmap for gun stores in other states to strengthen the safety and security of legal gun transactions in this country.”
“Keeping guns out of dangerous hands is imperative to break the cycle of violence, and federally licensed firearm dealers (FFLs) play a critical role in preventing the proliferation of illegal guns. The newly mandated training for firearm dealers can potentially reduce gun trafficking, lost or stolen firearms, and straw purchases ensuring California gun dealers and their employees do their part in ending this epidemic. Brady is grateful to Senator Dave Min for championing this legislation and thanks Governor Newsom for signing it into law,” said Kris Brown, President of Brady.
The California Department of Justice training will include federal and state laws governing the sales and transfers of firearms and ammunitions; how to recognize indicators an individual intends to use a firearm for fraudulent activity, unlawful purposes, or self-harm; theft and burglary prevention; teach rules of safe firearm handling and storage; and other reasonable business practices that will deter gun trafficking or the unlawful use of firearms.
SB 241 builds on Senator Min’s SB 1384 (Chapter 995, Statutes of 2022). Signed by the Governor last year, this legislation requires firearms dealers to carry liability insurance and install onsite surveillance.
