A ban on semi-automatic firearms for legal adults under 21 would be akin to banning people under 21 from using the internet or some other modern tool of free speech.

Via the Times-Herald: 

Dan Reeves, chief of staff for California state Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de Leon, said state lawmakers have “been focused on trying to make these rifles less lethal and haven’t focused so much on the age of the person.”

But some gun-control advocates say it’s time to reconsider that.

“Even if they don’t meet the definition of an assault weapon under California law, these are very lethal weapons,” said Amanda Wilcox, legislative advocate for the California Chapters for the Brady Campaign. “In California law right now, you can have a long gun that can be rapidly reloaded and is more powerful than a handgun and just as dangerous. The age limit should really be the same — 21. In my mind, there’s no reason to treat them differently.”

Critics however say upping the age for buying long guns won’t reduce gun violence while making it harder for responsible young people old enough to vote or serve in the military to hunt or target shoot with weapons seldom used in crimes.

“Legal adults have fundamental rights — including the right to acquire, possess, carry and use modern, semi-automatic firearms,” said Brandon Combs, president of the Firearms Policy Coalition. “A ban on semi-automatic firearms for legal adults under 21 would be akin to banning people under 21 from using the internet or some other modern tool of free speech.”

Read more here.