(Sacramento – June 11, 2019) – Today the California State Senate Committee on Public Safety voted 5 - 2 to approve Assemblymember Jones-Sawyer, Sr.’s (D- South Los Angeles) Assembly Joint Resolution (AJR) 5, legislation that urges the federal government to use California as a model for firearm safety and to pass legislation that would provide universal firearm safety regulation throughout the nation.
“California’s firearm death rate is approximately 36 percent lower than the national rate, proving our stronger safety laws can lead to reduced rates of gun violence,” said Assemblymember Jones-Sawyer, Sr. “AJR 5 is needed to show Congress that it is in the best interest of public safety that this nation address gun violence by creating universal firearm safety standards based on California’s example.”
California’s past legislation and efforts to address gun violence have proven to be necessary to improve public safety in our state. The CDC Fatal Injury Report notes that over the last 25 years, California’s firearm death rate has fallen more than twice as much as the national gun death rate over the same timeframe. With the passing of this resolution, we can accelerate the process that will rid our nation of the plague of gun violence.
“I am proud of my colleagues who voted in support of AJR 5 to keep it moving through the legislative process,” said Assemblymember Jones-Sawyer Sr. “Continuing to subject our communities to the pain and trauma caused by gun violence is unethical, especially when there are proven ways to prevent it. The health and safety of our citizens should be the number one priority of our government and elected leaders, which is why Congress must act”
AJR 5 now heads to the Senate Floor.