The California State Senate recently approved SB 880 by Senator Isadore Hall, III (D – South Bay) and Senator Steve Glazer (D – Orinda), which closes the bullet button loophole in California’s assault weapons ban. The measure was approved on a vote of 24 to 14.
SB 880 specifically redefines an assault weapon to include military-style semi-automatic firearms that do not have a fixed ammunition magazine, requires such weapons to be registered with the California Department of Justice and prohibits the future sale, purchase or possession of such weapons in the state.
For years, gun owners have been able to circumvent California’s assault weapon laws by using a small tool to quickly eject and reload ammunition magazines. Such tools are sold on the Internet and elsewhere explicitly advertised as a way to evade state law. Passage of Hall’s SB 880 will close this dangerous loophole and enact one of the most progressive laws in the nation to reduce gun violence.
“Passage of SB 880 reaffirms California’s commitment to prevent gun violence,” said Hall (D – South Bay). “Bullet button-equipped semi-automatic weapons have no legitimate use for sport hunters or competitive shooters. They are designed only to facilitate the maximum destruction of human life. Such weapons have been used in a number of recent gun attacks including the recent terrorist attack in San Bernardino that left 14 Californians dead and 21 injured. Too many Californians have died at the hands of these dangerous weapons. SB 880 will make our communities safer and upholds our commitment to reduce gun violence in California.”
SB 880 now moves to the State Assembly for further action.
