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California releases inaugural report on fight against ghost gun crisis

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Friday, November 29, 2024

California releases inaugural report on fight against ghost gun crisis

State AG
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Attorney General Rob Bonta | Official website

California Attorney General Rob Bonta has released a report from the Department of Justice's Office of Gun Violence Prevention, addressing the state's efforts against ghost guns. These firearms are made by unlicensed individuals using products sold without background checks or serial numbers. The report provides data analysis on ghost guns recovered from crimes in California and highlights the state's response to this issue.

Attorney General Bonta stated, "This report documents just how dangerous the ghost gun industry is and how much harm its skip-the-background-check business model has done to California’s communities." He emphasized California's progress in tackling this threat and expressed commitment to protecting residents from an industry that bypasses legal requirements.

Mike McLivley, Policy Director at the GIFFORDS Center for Violence Intervention, commented on California's efforts: "Through a potent combination of smart legislation, litigation, and public advocacy, California is making real progress on this issue." He thanked Attorney General Bonta and others involved for their work.

Krystal LoPilato from Everytown for Gun Safety remarked, "This report tells the compelling story of how California spotted the emerging threat of ghost guns and took decisive action to slow the spread of these deadly DIY weapons." She acknowledged progress but noted more work remains.

The report outlines various measures taken by California to address ghost guns through law enforcement actions, litigation against companies, local ordinances, and comprehensive reform legislation enacted in 2022 and 2023. The number of ghost guns recovered decreased by 23% between 2021 and 2023.

However, it warns about the market shifting towards products enabling illegal production without background checks using technologies like 3-D printers. In response, California passed AB 1089 to address these threats. A reference guide summarizing relevant laws is included in the report.

The DOJ's litigation efforts are also detailed. It has defended ATF rules regulating some ghost gun products while challenging loopholes in other regulations. On October 8, 2024, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments regarding ATF's rule consistency with federal law in Garland v. VanDerStok.

Launched by Attorney General Bonta in 2022, OGVP aims to develop strategies against gun violence statewide. It has published reports on various aspects of gun violence impact in California. Over three decades, California reduced its firearm homicide rate significantly compared to national averages.

A copy of OGVP’s report on ghost guns is available online.

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