California will now prohibit the ownership of “large-capacity magazines.” From SB-1446, signed into law by Gov. Jerry Brown on Thursday: “The bill would require a person in lawful possession of a large-capacity magazine prior to July 1, 2017, to dispose of the magazine, as provided.”
There is neither any grandfather clause nor reimbursement.
State law defines “large-capacity magazines” as anything with more than 10 rounds. These are often made for assault-style, semiautomatic rifles. California already banned the sale and loan of high-capacity rounds, but this new law goes further. Starting on July 1, 2017, anyone who violates the law is subject to a year in jail, and a $100 fine for a first offense. Any third or subsequence offense can get offenders fined for up to $500.
There are exceptions to the bill, however, such as “honorably retired sworn peace officers.”
California is one of eight states that generally bans high-capacity magazines, according to the Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence.
The passage of SB-1446 comes amidst a fraught debate over gun control in America. On June 12, Omar Mateen murdered 49 and injured 53 people at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida. He was armed with a knife, a handgun, and the Sig Sauer MCX rifle.
[h/t CBS San Francisco]
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