Court Strikes Down California Ban on Semiautomatic Gun Sales To People Under 21
The California law prohibiting sales of semi automatic firearms to anyone under 21 years of age has been struck down by a federal appeals court. The law which has been effective since July 1, 2021, also restricted purchases of semiautomatic weapons to one per month for all ages.
CNN reports Judge Ryan D. Nelson of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled, the law infringed on the Second Amendment rights of people 18 to 21 years old. Judge Kenneth K. Lee offered a second vote for the ban, writing, "We cannot allow good intentions to trump an enumerated and 'fundamental right' deeply rooted in the history and tradition of this country."
This decision does not affect existing California law that requires adults over 18 but under 21 years of age to have a valid hunting license to purchase rifles or shotguns.
The office of Rob Bonta, California’s Attorney General, is reviewing the 2-1 decision. In a statement, the office pledged, "California will continue to take all necessary steps to prevent and reduce gun violence. We remain committed to defending California's commonsense gun laws, which save lives and make our communities safer."
