Lawmaker Looks to crack down on gun Violence

On the first day of the 2019-2020 Legislative Session, Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks) introduced Assembly Bill 12 in response to the Thousand Oaks shooting at the Borderline Bar & Grill. The shooting resulted in 12 deaths, including that of Sergeant Ronald Lee Helus of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office and numerous other injuries. Ian Long, a 28-year-old former Marine was the attacker and killed himself at the scene.

AB 12 is a placeholder bill stating the Legislature’s intent to enact legislation relating to gun violence and mental health in an effort to prevent future acts of gun violence in California.

In opening remarks on the first day of session, Speaker Anthony Rendon referenced the Thousand Oaks shooting that took place on November 7th and encouraged his chamber to work together to solve the pressing issues of their communities.

Representing the first bill introduction in her legislative bill package, Assemblymember Irwin said, “This tragedy demands action, and I am working with our dedicated law enforcement and mental health professionals to identify changes to state law that will protect our community and all Californians from gun violence,”

In the aftermath of shootings across the country, including Parkland, Florida, elected officials are working with law enforcement to figure out a ways to curb gun violence. Some states are seeking “red-flag” laws or sometimes called “extreme risk protection orders” to allow police and family members to petition a state court to order the temporary removal of firearms from a person who may pose a danger to others and themselves. Currently, Connecticut, Indiana and Florida allow law enforcement to petition the court system, while California, Washington and Oregon also allow family and household members in addition to law enforcement.

AB 12 is expected to be voted on in early January.