There went California
(this is a bit lengthy, and might be better in the Politics section)
New restrictions include a ban on possession of magazines holding more than 10 rounds. Manufacture, importation, and sale of same has been illegal since 2000. Takes effect July 1 2017 so residents have a year to decide what to do with them. Illegal possession of a hi-cap mag will be an infraction with a $100 fine.
Restrictions on ammo:
Starting 1/1/18, all sales must go through a licensed vendor. There are some exclusions for hunting clubs, ranges, etc.
Starting 7/1/19, all sales through vendors will require the vendor to record and transmit to the Cali DOJ a record of purchase. ID, address, date, specific type and amount of ammo and more. Only a few exemptions exist for this requirement.
Starting 7/1/19, all sales must be approved electronically by the vendor.
Starting 7/1/19, cannot purchase ammo out of state and bring it into CA unless the ammo has been delivered to a vendor for processing per these laws.
(at least folks have until 1/1/2018 to stock up)
So-called "assault weapons":
The definition of AW has been expanded to include rifles with magazine locks that release the mag with the use of a tool (so-called "bullet buttons"). Owners of such firearms will have to register them with the state.
As bad as today was, it could have been worse. There were five other bills that Brown vetoed:
AB1176: Would have asked voters to make it a felony to steal a gun or buy a stolen gun, regardless of value.
AB1673: Would have expanded the definition of firearm to include unfinished receivers
AB1674: Would have made it illegal to purchase or transfer more than one firearm, including rifles and shotguns, within 30 days.
AB2607: Would have expanded who can seek a gun-violence restraining order to temporarily prohibit a person from purchasing a gun or ammunition.
SB894: Would have made it a crime for gun owners to fail to report a firearm as lost or stolen within five days.
* * *
Some of the new restrictions are probably motivated by political rivalries. The lieutenant governor, Gavin Newsom, has an initiative on the November ballot that would impose basically the same restrictions on magazines and ammunition. Newsom will be running for governor when Brown's term ends and is using this initiative to generate some buzz for his candidacy. By legislating these restrictions a few months before November, Brown and the Democrats in the legislature have effectively stolen Newsom's thunder.
Unfortunately, liberty suffers either way.