Firearms: gun shows and events.

Existing law generally regulates gun shows and events and requires a person producing, sponsoring, operating, or otherwise organizing a gun show or event to possess a valid certificate of eligibility from the Department of Justice. Existing law requires the producer of a gun show or event to post specified notices at each public entrance to the event, and a specified notice in the parking lot. A violation of this requirement or other requirements is punishable as a misdemeanor and makes a person ineligible for a certificate of eligibility for a period of one year. This bill would require additional notices relating to the storage, handling, purchase, and theft of firearms to be posted at each public entrance to the event. This bill would also double the maximum fines for a violation of this and other requirements and make the person ineligible for a certificate of eligibility for a period of 2 years. By expanding an existing crime, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program. Existing law requires a vendor at a gun show or event to make certain certifications, in writing, to the producer, including that they will not display, possess, or offer for sale any firearms, ammunition, knives, or weapons for which possession or sale is prohibited and that they will process any firearm transactions through a licensed dealer. This bill would additionally require a vendor to certify that they will not display, possess, or offer for sale any unserialized frame or receiver, including an unfinished frame or receiver or any handgun conversion kits, as specified. Under existing law, a violation of this and other requirements is punishable as an infraction or misdemeanor, as specified. This bill would add a fine and a suspension from participating as a vendor for a period of one year to the punishment for these violations. By expanding the application of existing crimes, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program. Existing law, commencing July 1, 2022, authorizes the Department of Justice to inspect any firearms dealers, ammunition vendors, or manufacturers participating in a gun show or event to ensure that firearms and ammunition transfers or sales are conducted in accordance with applicable state and federal laws. This bill would authorize the Department of Justice to also inspect any firearm precursor part vendors participating in a gun show or event. The bill would, commencing July 1, 2023, require the department to conduct enforcement and inspections at a minimum of one-half of all gun shows or events in the state to ensure compliance with gun show and event laws. The bill would also require the department to post certain violations discovered on their internet website and would require the department to submit an annual report to the Legislature summarizing their enforcement efforts. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.