Gun Control Bills Pass Calif. Senate After Lengthy Debate

The seven measures passed the Democratic-controlled chamber with votes to spare.

Sen. Loni Hancock (D-Berkeley) says her bill that would ban the possession of ammunition magazines with more than 10 rounds would not stop anyone from legally keeping a gun at home.  “It prohibits high capacity magazines which have no purpose in hunting or target shooting, but only to kill as many people as possible and in as short a time as possible,” Hancock says.

Republicans and a few Democrats spoke in opposition.  “This doesn’t solve any crime,” said Sen. Rod Wright (D-South Los Angeles), arguing against a measure that would require permits to buy ammunition.  “It only inhibits law-abiding citizens from exercising their 2nd Amendment rights.  It shouldn’t be in law.  It’s not going to stand up in court.  And you’re going to pay the [National Rifle Association].  I ask for a no vote.”

Other measures would ban semi-automatic rifles that can accept detachable magazines and require gun buyers to take written tests covering the state’s gun laws and safety techniques.