Brown Signs Bulk of Calif. Gun-Control Bills

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (CN) - A collection of gun-control laws introduced after the San Bernardino mass shooting that will require background checks for ammunition purchases and expand California's assault weapons ban were approved Friday by Gov. Jerry Brown.

The Democratic governor acted on a total of 11 gun-control bills before leaving the state for a European vacation. He vetoed five, including a measure limiting rifle and shotgun purchases to one per month.

Brown acted on the bills less than 24 hours after the Legislature approved the measures, and said his goal in signing the bills is to "enhance public safety by tightening our existing laws in a responsible and focused manner, while protecting the rights of law-abiding gun owners."

Measures approved include Senate Bill 1235, which tracks ammunition sales and requires purchasers to have their identification run through a state database; Senate Bill 1446, which outlaws magazines that hold more than 10 rounds; and Senate Bill 880, which bans guns equipped with "bullet buttons."

On Thursday, Brown speculated that he might veto some of the 13 gun-control bills sent to him as he's done in the past. He vetoed a bill that would have limited long gun purchases to one per month, citing California's "stringent" gun ownership laws.

"While well-intentioned, I believe this bill would have the effect of burdening lawful citizens who wish to sell certain firearms that they no longer need," Brown wrote in a veto message.

Also vetoed were bills strengthening sentences for gun thefts, a bill requiring owners to report gun thefts within five days and a measure expanding authorization to petition the courts for a gun-violence restraining order.

Several of the vetoed measures contain clauses that are included in Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom's gun-control initiative, which has qualified for the November ballot. In the veto messages, Brown reiterated that voters should have the opportunity to decide the practicality and value of the proposals he rejected.

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