Legislation to Require Gun Stores to Post Warning Notices Passes Assembly Committee

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 Tuesday by the Assembly Public Safety Committee.

SB 417, which already passed the Senate, moves next to the Assembly floor for consideration. 

“Every day we read about shootings, but few people are aware that simply having a gun in your home significantly increases your risk of experiencing gun violence,” Blakespear said. “By making gun owners aware of the increased risks created by having a gun in their homes, SB 417 increases the likelihood they will safely store their firearms.”

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: “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. If you or a loved one is experiencing distress or depression or is contemplating suicide, please call 988 (The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline).”

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 Orange County. To learn more about the district and Blakespear, visit her Senate website. 

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