CA Senate passes gun, ammunition bills

The state Senate has passed a series of firearms bills designed to reduce the chances for mass shootings, but opponents say the measures won’t keep weapons out of the hands of people intent on bloodshed.

Among other changes, the seven bills that moved to the Assembly Wednesday would expand the list of people who are prohibited from owning firearms and require permits and a fee when buying ammunition. Semi-automatic rifles with detachable ammunition magazines would be outlawed.

Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg, who pushed the ban on detachable magazines, says the bills would close loopholes in existing laws, keep firearms away from dangerous people and strengthen requirements for gun ownership.

Republican Sen. Jim Nielsen says the real problem is mental illness.