NRA Stands With California Law Enforcement In Opposing AB 273

(Sacramento, CA) -- The National Rifle Association (NRA) has joined ranks with major California Law Enforcement agencies in opposing the latest frivolous attempt at gun control in the state. Several major California Law Enforcement entities asked Governor Gray Davis and members of the California State Senate and State Assembly for a moratorium on all gun control legislation, admitting "that law enforcement is struggling with new laws and regulations in the area of firearms." AB 273 would require Californians to buy a special license in order to purchase a pistol or revolver from a dealer or to exchange or transfer handguns in private party transactions. "This is an appeal for principle over politics. The NRA supports California Law Enforcement in their effort to impose a moratorium on all further gun control legislation such as AB 273. The public would be well served if their elected officials listened to these professionals on this specific matter," said James Jay Baker, Executive Director of the NRA's Institute for Legislative Action. The memorandum stated that "law enforcement is strongly united" in this effort. It also warned lawmakers that "there is significant confusion, misinformation and a need for continued training on all levels regarding legislation passed last year." California lawmakers passed sweeping gun control legislation in 1999 that has since created implementation problems for law enforcement officers and law-abiding citizens alike in the state. The memorandum was sent to lawmakers by the California Chiefs of Police (Cal Chiefs), California State Sheriffs Association, Peace Officers Research Association of California, Law Enforcement Alliance of America (LEAA), San Bernardino County Sheriff, Riverside Sheriffs Association, Association for Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs Sheriff of Riverside County, Los Angeles Police Protective League, California Peace Officers' Association and the Orange County Sheriff Mike Carona. AB 273 narrowly passed the State Senate yesterday. It must now pass the State Assembly, where its fate is too close to call.