California moves to ban ghost guns with new legislation

In a recent government meeting, Assembly Bill 2842 was presented as a critical measure aimed at curbing the rise of ghost guns in California. Assemblymember Pepin emphasized the urgency of the bill, which seeks to close a significant loophole that currently allows confiscated firearms to be dismantled and sold as parts, enabling the creation of untraceable ghost guns.

The bill addresses the alarming trend of ghost guns—firearms that can be assembled from kits purchased online without background checks. From 2010 to 2020, law enforcement recovered approximately 39,000 ghost guns, with a staggering increase to 45,000 recovered in just one year from 2021 to 2022. This trend poses a serious threat to public safety, as these weapons can easily fall into the hands of individuals who may not legally qualify to own firearms.

Pepin's proposal mandates that local agencies can only contract with firearm destruction companies that prohibit the resale of any gun parts. This measure aims to prevent the unintended creation of ghost guns from leftover parts after the destruction of a firearm's frame or receiver. The bill also includes an amendment allowing for the donation of historically significant weapons to museums, reflecting a balanced approach to gun control.

Support for the bill was voiced by Tanae Clark, a volunteer with Moms Demand Action, who highlighted the dangers posed by the easy online access to gun kits. She pointed out that such practices undermine existing gun violence prevention efforts and make it increasingly difficult for law enforcement to track firearms.

The committee members expressed their support for the bill, with a motion to advance it to appropriations passing unanimously. The meeting underscored the growing concern over gun violence and the need for legislative action to ensure public safety in California.