Legislation to Require Gun Stores to Post Warning Notices Goes to Governor

Sen. Blakespear’s bill would require gun sellers to post signs about the risk of bringing a firearm into your home

SACRAMENTO – Legislation by Sen. Catherine Blakespear, D-Encinitas, to require gun sellers to post warnings about the danger of having a firearm in a home was passed Wednesday by the Senate and sent to Gov. Gavin Newsom to sign.

SB 417 cleared the Senate on a 32-5 vote, after passing the Assembly on Aug. 14. 

“Tragically, we had a mass shooting recently in Orange County in a case that apparently involved domestic violence,” Blakespear said. “People need to know that simply having a gun in your home dramatically increases your risk of experiencing gun violence. SB 417 makes sure anyone purchasing a gun knows this danger.”

Research indicates that the presence of a firearm in the home significantly increases the risk of suicide, death during domestic violence disputes and the unintentional death of children and household members.

SB 417 requires gun sellers to post the following notice: “WARNING: If you or a loved one is experiencing distress or depression or is contemplating suicide, please call 988 (The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline). Access to a firearm in the home significantly increases the risk of suicide, death, and injury during domestic violence disputes, and the unintentional death and traumatic injury to children, household members, and guests.”

Research counters the long-held belief that having a gun in your home makes you safer. In fact, the risk of death by suicide is 4 to 10 times higher in homes with guns, and people living with handgun owners die by homicide at twice the rate of their neighbors in gun-free homes, according to a report by Harvard Health Publishing. 

Elected in November, Blakespear represents Senate District 38, which covers northern coastal San Diego County and part of inland southern Orange County. To learn more about the district and Blakespear, visit her Senate website. 

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