Bill: California AB 311

Sponsor: Assembly Member Ward (D-78)

Position: Strongly Opposed

Summary: Prohibits gun show vendors from dealing in unfinished receiver parts, i.e. “firearms precursor parts”.

Under current law, vendors who possess a license to sell “firearms precursor parts”, more commonly known as unfinished or precursor firearms receivers, 80% or otherwise, can sell those products at gun shows and certain sanctioned events. If passed, AB 311 would prohibit all vendors from selling these products at these locations. Violation of this prohibition would be a misdemeanor punishable by up to a $2,000 fine. 

Vendors who violate the rule will also be prohibited from participating in any gun shows or other sanctioned events for one year after their date of conviction. Failure to adhere to the one year prohibition would be punishable by a fine of up to $5,000 and a five year ban. Subsequent violation would permit the state to revoke any firearm, ammunition, or “firearm precursor part” license held by the vendor.

If passed, AB 311 would also require gun show producers to evict vendors who violate precursor part sales restrictions, to inform the California DOJ, and to ban the vendors from attending or participating in the producer’s gun shows for one year.

AB 311 is yet another attempt by California legislators to undermine the right of individuals to freely associate and to freely engage in commerce. It serves no legitimate purpose and is solely intended to punish otherwise law-abiding Californians.

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