The kNOw Youth Media, Audio, Miguel Bibanco, Posted: Jan 26, 2013
Editor’s Note: Last week, President Barack Obama issued proposals, including 23 executive actions, aimed at reducing gun violence and asked for help from lawmakers in making sweeping reform. His introduction of a $500 million plan to address this concern has received mixed reactions.
Many people expect fierce opposition to the possible changes, especially from groups like the National Rifle Association. However, stricter gun control is on the minds of many Americans in the wake of the Connecticut elementary school massacre. A recent New York Times/CBS poll found that 54 percent of Americans favored stronger gun control laws.
In California, bills have been introduced in an effort to curb gun violence statewide.
Senate Bill 53, introduced by Senator Kevin De Leon (D-Los Angeles), would require people purchasing any type of firearm ammunitions, either online or in a store, to hold a permit by 2014. Permit applicants would be subject to a criminal and mental health background check.
Assembly Bill 48, introduced by Assemblymember Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley), would ban kits that covert ammo feeding devices into high-capacity magazines, in addition to establishing a registry of ammunition sales in the U.S. Department of Justice.
The two bills will begin to make their way through the Legislature in March.
As the federal government and states act to reduce gun violence, The kNOw Youth Media (Fresno), a grassroots network of youth and a community-driven media outlet, featured the voices of youth as they speak out on the two California bills. The youth voices include Antonio Flores, Vincent Salinas, Ashley Vargas, TeLona Love, Amir Adem. The discussion was moderated by Adriana Hernandez.
Listen to audio report at New America Media/The kNOw
