• SB 489 by Senator Jack Scott (D-Altadena) requires that all center-fire semiautomatic pistols not already listed in the Department of Justice (DOJ) roster of approved "safe" firearms to have a chamber load indicator and a magazine disconnect device. The chamber load indicator is a feature that indicates when a bullet is in the chamber. The disconnect device is a feature that prevents a semiautomatic pistol from firing unless the magazine is inserted in the pistol.

SB 489 makes California the first state in the nation to require these features to be included on semiautomatic firearms. The bill takes effect on January 1, 2007.

Here is the NRA's position on this law:
SB 489 seeks to ban the retail sale of semiautomatic pistols that do not incorporate state-mandated design features and warning language or symbols. SB 489 does not technically define these devices, and there is currently no clear understanding of exactly what will be required of firearm manufacturers. This bill will force untested technology to be adopted into the design of firearms, creating many safety concerns, and may increase the number of firearm accidents.

• SB 824 by Senator Jack Scott (D-Altadena) authorizes a firearm dealer to obtain a background check for an employee who handles or has access to firearms to make sure that employee is not legally prohibited from owning, possessing or having access to firearms. The legislation also improves the Department of Justice's recording process as it pertains to the delivery of firearms, particularly handguns. And, it protects persons who wish to acquire handguns from being overcharged by firearms dealers for processing "private party" firearms transactions.

• AB 319 by Dario Frommer (D-Los Feliz) prohibits juveniles convicted of carrying a concealed handgun or a loaded firearm on their person or in an automobile, from owning or possessing a firearm until the age of 30.

• SB 226 by Senator Gil Cedillo (D-East Los Angeles) prohibits a person who is subject to an elder or dependent abuse protective order from owning, purchasing, possessing or receiving a firearm while the order is in effect. The prohibition specifically targets a person who has been found to be violent, has a propensity for violence, or who has threatened the use of violence.

• AB 1290 by Assemblymember Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) prohibits a person subject to an emergency stalking protective order or an elder or dependent abuse protective order from owning, purchasing or possessing a firearm while the order is in effect.

• SB 238 by Senator Don Perata (D-Oakland) is a technical bill that cleans up conflicts in the Penal Code involving firearms or other dangerous weapons. This bill also amends the Penal Code to respond to recent court decisions to require individuals or groups that own, possess or sell flamethrowers, machine guns or assault weapons to have a DOJ-issued permit. SB 238 also restricts the possession of firearms to individuals convicted of specific firearm violations.