Portantino Introduces New Comprehensive Firearm Reform Bill

State Senator Anthony J. Portantino, who represents Pasadena, announced Thursday he has introduced a comprehensive firearm reform bill, SB 368, aimed at expanding and strengthening the current prohibition of firearms ownership and adding responsibilities on gun shops. The Senator has been a long-standing advocate of common-sense gun reforms and has previously introduced several successful measures to regulate firearms in the state.

“With the growing prevalence of gun violence, it is our moral obligation to ensure public safety by implementing comprehensive firearm reform policies,” Portantino said.. He added that current laws did not adequately address the issues of gun safety and that SB 368 was an attempt to address the loopholes.

SB 368 would require licensed firearms dealers to establish a voluntary buyback program in consultation with the Department of Justice and accept the storage of firearms from individuals during a mental health crisis or for other lawful reasons.

The bill would also prohibit the offering of firearms as prizes in raffles and add a number of misdemeanors that would result in a 10-year prohibition of firearm possession.

If the bill is passed as proposed, the Department of Justice would also be required to create an evaluation process to determine whether a 10-year prohibition is warranted and provide notice and opportunity for appeal to the person.

Senator Portantino has a long history of advocating for gun safety measures and has introduced several bills aimed at reducing gun violence, including SB 2, which will improve California’s existing concealed carry weapon (CCW) laws.