Berman Unveils Legislation to Improve Oversight of the Firearm Industry in California

• Isabelle Grassel
• Communications/Legislative Assistant
• (916) 319-2023
• [email protected]

SACRAMENTO, CA - This week, Assemblymember Berman (D-Menlo Park), unveiled legislation to improve oversight of California's firearm industry and provide the Department of Justice (DOJ) with the necessary authority to hold firearm dealers accountable and crack down on illegal crime guns.

Under the Trump administration, the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the primary federal agency tasked with inspecting firearm dealers, has been significantly reduced. Due to a loss in funding and the reversal of regulations to improve public safety, the agency has been left with little oversight over the firearm industry, opening the window for bad actors to purchase firearms illegally.

"Where the federal government falls short, California is ready to step up and take the lead, especially when it comes to preventing gun violence," said Assemblymember Berman. "My bill, AB 1810, will ensure the firearm industry in California is following our gun safety laws and clarify the California Department of Justice's authority to shutdown irresponsible dealers who are endangering the lives of Californians by breaking the law."

Sponsored by GIFFORDS, Assembly Bill 1810 would clarify the DOJ's authority to revoke the authorization of a person or entity to sell firearms in the state for failing to meet basic requirements or failing to take corrective action on violations discovered by DOJ inspectors within 90 days.

"Since taking office, the Trump administration has repeatedly caved to gun industry demands and weakened industry oversight. This bill is a smart response to protect Californians and hold bad actors accountable," said GIFFORDS State Policy Attorney Ethan Murray. "Lawmakers must ensure that the California Department of Justice has the authority to address gun dealers who violate the law and sell firearms to criminals. No business has the right to prioritize their bottom line over public safety, or the lives of Californians."

In 2023 alone, the DOJ found that more than 12,000 firearms used in a crime were traced to a dealer, and that on average each dealer sold 10 firearms that were illegally possessed, used in a crime, or suspected to have been used in a crime.

In addition, AB 1810 would require the DOJ to annually inspect the top ten dealer locations that have the highest percentage of recovered crime guns.

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Contact: [email protected]