News Summary
California’s new law, signed by Governor Gavin Newsom, bans the sale and transfer of Glock and Glock-style handguns. This legislation, aimed at reducing gun violence, has prompted a lawsuit from firearms advocates who argue it violates Second Amendment rights. The law, effective July 1, 2024, targets handguns with a cruciform trigger bar design. The lawsuit, led by prominent firearms groups, challenges the constitutionality of this ban, asserting that it restricts access to commonly used firearms for self-defense.
San Diego, California – California’s recent legislation banning the sale and transfer of Glock and Glock-style handguns has prompted immediate legal action from firearms advocates. Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 1127 into law on October 10, 2023, which will prohibit firearms dealers in the state from selling semi-automatic firearms that have a “cruciform trigger bar” starting July 1, 2024.
Lawmakers supporting the bill argue that the design of the cruciform trigger bar enables easy conversion of semi-automatic weapons into fully automatic firearms, presenting a greater potential for gun violence. In response, several prominent firearms advocacy groups have filed a lawsuit in federal court in San Diego, asserting that the new law infringes upon constitutional rights under the Second Amendment.
The lawsuit labels the ban as “flagrantly unconstitutional” and challenges the legality of restricting access to widely used firearms. It emphasizes that the handguns affected by this law rank among the most popular firearms across the United States. Parties involved in the lawsuit include the National Rifle Association of America, Firearms Policy Coalition, and Second Amendment Foundation, among others.
The plaintiffs contend that California politicians should not have the authority to dictate which firearms individuals can own under the protections of the Second Amendment. They argue that Americans have a right to choose firearms for personal safety and self-defense. Notably, more than half of U.S. states currently prohibit Glock switches, which are devices that allow for the conversion of semi-automatic handguns into fully automatic weapons, but California’s new law goes further by banning a significant number of Glock semi-automatic handguns based on trigger bar design alone.
According to the legislative intent articulated by Assemblymember Catherine Stefani, the new law seeks to close loopholes that could lead to increased gun violence. This claim is supported by reports from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, which noted a marked rise in the seizure of machine gun conversion devices between 2017 and 2021.
The lawsuit argues that the ban constitutes a severe limitation on the sale of many handguns that are commonly in use. Plaintiffs believe that such restrictions effectively “close the door” on access to essential firearms for self-defense, which could affect a wide range of lawful gun owners within the state.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta’s office has stated its commitment to defending the new law in court, emphasizing the legislative purpose behind these restrictions aimed at enhancing public safety. This ongoing legal challenge is poised to set significant precedents regarding gun rights and regulatory power in California.
As the situation unfolds, this newly enacted law and the lawsuit pitting gun rights advocates against state regulations highlight the continuing debate over firearm ownership and regulation in the United States. The outcome of this case may influence how similar laws are approached across the nation, as well as the broader conversation surrounding gun safety and constitutional rights.
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Additional Resources
- Fox 5 San Diego
- Wikipedia: Gun Control in the United States
- San Diego Union-Tribune
- Google Search: Glock Handgun Laws
- Times of San Diego
- Google Scholar: Gun Laws California
- 10 News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Firearm
- NBC San Diego
- Google News: Gun Rights California
Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
