In a move to pull the entertainment industry back into California, the governor signed two bills that will soften the rules for movie-makers to get permits for guns and pyrotechnics…

     A bill signed Monday will differentiate theatrical firearms from general firearms, lowering the cost of permits and shielding the entertainment industry from federal restrictions written for general firearms.
    Another measure authored by the late state Sen. William J. “Pete” Knight, R-Palmdale, and signed into law by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger last week will simplify and expedite the permit process for entertainers to procure explosives and fireworks.
    Before the new fireworks legislation, entertainment companies had to secure a permit with the state Fire Marshall, then get another $377 permit from the Department of Justice, which performed background checks that took up to two months.
    The requirement of two permits delayed filming and cost extra money, said Gary Weston, Knight’s legislative director.
    The new law calls for the Fire Marshall to take over the background checking for fireworks, streamlining the process.
    “It’s a one-stop shop,” Weston said. “The safety controls remain just as stringent, but the public is given a simpler way of dealing with the government.”
    Under the new law governing guns used as props, the Department of Justice will still perform a background check on the applicants, but prop houses that supply specialized firearms to the entertainment industry will be protected from regulations imposed by the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

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