A California gun law has been reintroduced to limit the purchase of firearms to one per month, after a similar measure was vetoed by former Gov. Jerry Brown.

While current law prohibits the purchase of more than one handgun every 30 days, Senate Bill 61 would expand that provision to all firearm purchases across California, including Santa Clarita.

The author, Sen. Anthony Portantino, D-La Cañada Flintridge, reintroduced the bill in hopes newly-elected Gov. Gavin Newsom, who has taken aim at the gun industry, signs it into law, according to officials.

“California may be a western state, but it’s no longer the ‘Wild West.’ A person shouldn’t be able to walk into a gun store and come out with an arsenal,” said Portantino. “One gun purchase per month should be more than adequate for the law-abiding citizen.”  

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Last year, Brown vetoed Senate Bill 1177, a similar bill that would prohibit California residents from buying more than one long gun per month.

Brown called the legislation in his veto message “well-intentioned,” but said the bill “would have the effect of burdening lawful citizens who wish to sell certain firearms that they no longer need.”

In his inauguration, Newsom warned of the influence the gun lobby has on the federal government.

“Make no mistake, there are powerful forces arrayed against us,” Newsom said. “Not just politicians in Washington, but drug companies that gouge Californians with sky-high prices. A gun lobby that’s willing to sacrifice the lives of our children to line their pockets.”

Opponents to the law say limiting purchases for a long gun is not the solution to crime and other issues facing California.

“Denying firearms ownership or limiting all adults to a maximum of one rifle or shotgun purchase per month will not solve crime and mental health problems,” said officials with the Outdoor Sportsmen’s Coalition.

The legislation still needs to pass the California Senate and Assembly before heading to the governor’s desk to be signed into law.

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