Newsom rolls out details of gun control ballot measure

The proposal by state Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom could make California the only state in the nation to require background checks when purchasing ammunition.

Andrew Cuomo suspended a requirement for background checks on ammunition sales approved by the state legislature as part of the 2013 SAFE Act, citing an inadequate state database. The grass-roots Firearms Policy Coalition on Thursday bought the web domain “stopNewsom.com”, which redirects to a page on the coalition’s site where people can sign up to donate or volunteer against Newsom’s plan or to support a counter-proposal protecting gun rights.

It calls for a background check on all ammunition purchases, requiring owners to turn in large capacity assault-style magazines and making gun owners report lost or stolen guns. Newsom hopes that California voters, sickened by the unbroken cycle of mass shootings in a country that deserves better, will stand with him to strengthen state gun laws. “We have the ability to do something about it…to step in with a few commonsense measures”.

“I came here as a father first”, Newsom said. “You can’t sell or manufacture those magazines in California, but for a few reason we’ve allowed people to possess them”.

Newsom’s proposal would require about 366,000 signatures to qualify it for the 2016 ballot, but in a state that is historically pro-gun control, supporters are optimistic.

National Rifle Association spokeswoman Amy Hunter says Newsom’s effort seeks to chip away at Second Amendment rights.

– Background checks for ammunition purchases: Ammunition dealers would need to conduct a background check at the point-of-sale for all ammunition, and dealers would need a license similar to those required to sell firearms. His ballot initiative proposal does nothing but prohibit access to the most effective methods for self-defense, with no measurable positive effect on stopping crime or improving public safety.

According to the poll, 60 percent of state Democrats favor Newsom, as do voters in Northern California, where Newsom leads at 52 percent. California courts would set up a clear process on surrendering guns. “The states have and will continue to take action to reduce gun violence despite the gridlock in Washington”.