California and Ammo purchases..

[Rustystud]

Looks like California has a new law requiring a signature and thumb print in order to purchase handgun ammo.

Nat Lambeth

 

[jmason]

Did this actually get signed into law?

 

[NomadPilot]

yep
California Chronicle | CALIFORNIA´S GOVERNOR SIGNS LEGISLATION TO HELP TRACK AMMUNITION SALES

 

[jmason]

What does this law do for internet sales? Are CA residents not allowed to mail order ammo? That article just references sales in CA stores.

 

[NomadPilot]

The law doesn't specify, but online sales inherently couldn't comply with the requirements (thumbprint, etc). It's a de facto online sales ban, which might be the strongest challenge available to them.

 

[guns_and_labs]

It includes a specific ban on internet/mail-order sales.

But it also probably violates a number of federal statutes, and the lawsuits are already lined up at the courthouse.

 

[NomadPilot]

It includes a specific ban on internet/mail-order sales.

Hm. I read it didn't. Well maybe that'll help the challengers then.

 

[guns_and_labs]

Hm. I read it didn't. Well maybe that'll help the challengers then.

From the enrolled text:

12318. (a) Commencing February 1, 2011, the delivery or transfer of
ownership of handgun ammunition may only occur in a face-to-face
transaction with the deliverer or transferor being provided bona fide evidence
of identity from the purchaser or other transferee. A violation of this section
is a misdemeanor.

The best attack on this, according to some, is that the state law is preempted by the federal laws on transport of ammunition by common carriers.

Also, a law to repeal it has already been introduced.