Gun control back on the table for California legislators after Orlando massacre

Tuesday, June 14, 2016
Gun control back on the table for California legislators after Orlando massacre
Many of the gun control bills heading to the state senate for approval, were in the works already because of the San Bernardino terrorist attacks. Now after the Orlando shooting, some local gun store owners believe the laws will only get stricter.

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- California politicians are hoping to make gun laws even stricter, on the heels of the worst shooting in united states history.

Many of the gun control bills heading to the state senate for approval, were in the works already because of the San Bernardino terrorist attacks. Now after the Orlando shooting, some local gun store owners believe the laws will only get stricter.

In Clovis, Frank Burgin is a gunsmith who specializes in repairing firearms and building them. "It is deemed legal in the state of California today, that you can build your own gun and not have to register it," he said.

But that law could soon change, which directly affects his business. Ghost guns -- or weapons you build yourself -- are a popular sell at his store. "They can't take a gun away from you that they don't know exists. That's why the ghost guns are popular," he said.

The new law would require people who build their own gun, to register it. It's one of several gun safety bills highlighted Monday by a group of California lawmakers.

"Why are guns that are so dangerous available so easily," said Assemblymember Marc Levine. The democratic politician is pushing for a bill that would ban long guns with 'bullet buttons.'

"All of the guns that we have in house do have a bullet button. It's a class three felony if you don't have it on your gun," said Burgin.

The buttons are meant to slow down a shooter when re-loading their magazines. But California lawmakers want the button off entirely, making the reloading of ammunition a much longer process.

"We think this is the way for guns to fall into the wrong hands.," said Assemblymember Phil Teng.

Teng wants to expand the scope of gun violence restraining orders, giving coworkers and mental health professionals the ability to as a court to temporarily take away guns from high-risk individuals. That's one law, Burgin has no problem with. "I don't care if it's every other one that gets refused. If it's for a valid reason," he said.

The State Senate is expected to vote on these new bills sometime this year. But the bills also have to be signed by the governor to become a law.