Legislation to Require Gun Stores to Post Warning Notices Signed by 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 signed into law Tuesday by Gov. Gavin Newsom.

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.

“People need to know that simply having a gun in your home dramatically increases your risk of experiencing gun violence,” Blakespear said. “Every day we read in the news about gun violence. It all starts with access to a gun, and that’s why having a gun in your home escalates the chances it will be used for a suicide, domestic violence or homicide.”

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

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