Monday, October 12, 2009

New California law tracks ammunition sales

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has signed a bevy of bills into law, including one that will require ammunition sellers to collect and keep information from all buyers, including a thumbprint, signature and driver's license data.

Internet and mail-order sales will be eliminated, because sales must happen in person. Read the bill here - http://info.sen.ca.gov/pub/09-10/bill/a ... _comm.html

The governor's signature reverses his earlier position.

"Although I have previously vetoed legislation similar to this measure, local governments have demonstrated that requiring ammunition vendors to keep records on ammunition sales improves public safety,'' Schwarzenegger said in a statement.

The head of Gun Owners of California said the law, which takes effect in 2011, will treat gun owners "like registered sex offenders," the Los Angeles Times writes .

"We think it was a devastating mistake,'' said Sam Paredes, executive director of the group, which represents 30,000 gun owners. In a separate statement, the group elaborates.

Paradoxically, for gun owners, Schwarzenegger vetoed legislation requiring more signatures when buying firearms, and a bill that would have banned gun shows at the Cow Palace, just south of San Francisco.

Here are some other measures Schwarzenegger signed into law:

• Same-sex marriages performed in other states before California's November 2008 ban on gay marriage will be recognized in the state.

• The Donda West Law, named after the mother of rap artist Kanye West, who died from complications after she underwent cosmetic surgery, prohibits elective cosmetic surgery unless the patient first is cleared by a physical examination.

• Paparazzi and other photographers can be fined up to $50,000 for taking and selling unauthorized photos of celebrities and others or their children in "personal or familial activity.''

• Political candidates are prohibited from paying their spouses or domestic partners to work on their campaigns.

Separately, Schwarzenegger called on lawmakers to reform the state's tax system, which he called "outdated and antiquated, and no longer works in our technology and information-based economy."

Posted by Michael Winter at 05:44 PM/ET, October 12, 2009 in Nation

http://blogs.usatoday.com/ondeadline/20 ... sales.html