Three California lawmakers Thursday announced a bill on Thursday that would raise the age limit to buy a rifle or shotgun in California from 18 to 21, reports the Mercury News.
The move follows the deaths of 17 students in Parkland, Florida by a 19-year-old ex-student on February 14 with a military-style rifle he was able to buy legally in the state.
The bill was written by Assemblyman Rob Bonta, Assemblyman David Chiu, and state Senator Nancy Skinner – all Democrats and would ban sales, but not possession of long guns, meaning a 19-year-old could still go hunting with a parent’s rifle.
“California already wisely mandates that someone be at least 21 years of age to purchase a handgun,” Assemblyman Bonta proclaimed. “It’s time to extend that common-sense law to long guns in order to enhance public safety.”
Opponents say the law unfairly targets young adults.
“If they’re too irresponsible to own a gun, they’re probably too irresponsible to vote, because casting a vote could have life and death impacts,” said Sam Paredes, executive director of Gun Owners of California. “The bill authors can’t have it both ways — either 18-20-year-olds are adults and have all the rights all legal adults have, or they’re not.”
Assemblyman Bonta told KCRA that something has to be done.
“We all know that thoughts and prayers are not enough — that bold action is required,” Bonta said. He later added, “From a public safety standpoint, what’s good policy for handguns is good policy for long guns.”
