California: Another Bill Gutted, This Time Prohibiting Firearm Raffles by Charitable Organizations

On Tuesday, March 20, Assembly Bill 3199, sponsored by Assembly Member Chris Holden (D-41) was gutted and amended from legislation pertaining to California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs) to legislation that prohibits firearms as raffle prizes by charitable organizations. 

This legislation will directly impact many charitable organizations that work hard for the benefit of California communities and beyond. The charitable organizations that will be impacted include Friends of the NRA, CRPA, various sportsman, community and veterans groups, all who may offer a firearm as a prize as part of their fundraising efforts. In 2017 alone, Friends of the NRA Programs in California gave more than a million dollars in grant money to benefit youth firearm safety and education, range improvements, and Second Amendment education programs. 

Firearms that are used as raffle prizes must be transferred through a licensed firearms dealer where the prospective recipient is subject to all California and Federal laws, including a background check, proof of a firearms safety certificate or alternative, a safe handling demonstration and a 10 day waiting period. 

AB 3199 has been referred to Assembly Governmental Organization Committee where it awaits a hearing date.  The legislature will be off next week for Spring Recess and not returning until April 2. 

Continue to check your inbox and the California Stand and Fight web page for updates on issues impacting your Second Amendment rights and hunting heritage in California.