This blog was contributed by Amanda and Nick Wilcox, CA Brady's Legislative Co-Chairs

Over the last two decades, California has enacted numerous significant and innovative firearm laws.  In fact, California legislation often serves as a model for other state or federal legislation.  Following Governor Schwarzenegger’s signature of our priority bill (microstamping) in 2007, similar legislation was introduced in seven states and at the federal level.  Former California legislators and governors, both Democrat and Republican, are to be commended for these past accomplishments.

The 2009-2010 legislative session provides an opportunity for further successes and challenges.  In the Assembly, a net gain of three Democrat seats will undoubtedly ease the passage of our bills on the Assembly Floor.  Moreover, Speaker Karen Bass, Majority Floor Leader Alberto Torrico, and Appropriations Committee Chair Kevin de León are strong supporters of gun violence prevention measures.

New Senate President Pro-Tem Darrell Steinberg has been a longtime champion of gun violence prevention and authored significant firearm legislation as a member of the California Assembly.  Senator Mark Leno, also a strong ally of the California Brady Campaign Chapters, will chair the Senate Public Safety Committee.

In this time of budget crises, getting our bills through the Appropriations Committees will be a big challenge.  However, with the support of key leaders in both the Assembly and Senate, and by introducing legislation with little or no cost, we look forward to a successful 2009-2010 legislative session!