Model Laws

LCAV’s model laws provide a starting point – a framework from which state and local legislation can be drafted, reviewed, debated and ultimately adopted.

Documents may be downloaded by clicking on the underlined title.

Classes of Weapons

Assault Weapons
Bans assault weapons using provisions that are more comprehensive than the former federal ban. Also bans large capacity ammunition magazines.

Large Capacity Ammunition Magazines
Prohibits the possession of large capacity ammunition magazines.  California bans the manufacture, gift, loan, importation into the state, or keeping, offering, or exposing for sale of any large capacity ammunition magazine.  This model is designed for use by local jurisdictions in California.

Fifty Caliber Rifles
Prohibits the sale of 50 caliber rifles and cartridges.

Air Rifles
Bans the sale and possession of air rifles, defined to include B-B, air and pellet guns.

Sales and Transfers

Universal Background Checks
Requires background checks on all prospective firearm purchasers, closing a loophole in federal law that allows private firearm sellers (i.e., unlicensed persons) to sell guns without conducting background checks.

Gun Dealers and Other Sellers

Regulating Gun Dealers
Regulates firearms dealers. Supplements federal law by requiring, among other things, that dealers obtain a local permit, conduct employee background checks and obtain liability insurance. Also prohibits dealers from operating in residential neighborhoods and near other “sensitive” areas, such as schools, playgrounds and places of worship. LCAV created models for Illinois and California, both of which can be tailored to other jurisdictions.

Gun Ownership

The Gun Owners’ Safety and Responsibility Ordinance
Requires any person seeking to own, possess, purchase or otherwise acquire a firearm to obtain a firearm safety certificate, which obligates the applicant to successfully complete a safety training course that includes live firing, a safe-handling demonstration and a written test of firearm laws. Firearm owners also must register their firearms and notify law enforcement when their weapons are lost or stolen. In addition, the model requires that gun owners safely store their firearms in the home to prevent access by children and other unauthorized users. This model law is designed specifically for local jurisdictions in Illinois.

Reporting of Lost or Stolen Firearms
Requires any firearm owner or possessor to report the loss or theft of his or her firearm to law enforcement within 48 hours of the time he or she knew or reasonably should have known of the loss or theft.  This model is designed for use by local jurisdictions in California.

Consumer and Child Safety

Personalized Handguns
Requires the personalization of handguns – equipping handguns with technology that prevents them from firing when operated by an unauthorized user. Provides testing standards and certification procedures for personalized handguns. Prohibits the manufacture, importation, purchase and transfer of non-personalized handguns.

Law Enforcement Resolutions

Resolution Urging Law Enforcement to Obtain and Utilize California Department of Justice Information Regarding Prohibited Armed Persons
Urges law enforcement to receive information from the California Department of Justice (DOJ) regarding persons who legally purchased firearms in the jurisdiction but subsequently became prohibited from possessing them.  The resolution urges law enforcement agencies who have received this information to seek training from DOJ regarding its use, and to retrieve illegally possessed firearms whenever possible.  This resolution is designed for use by local jurisdictions in California.

Resolution Urging Law Enforcement to Send Letters to Prospective Handgun Purchasers
Urges law enforcement to obtain information from the California Department of Justice about persons who reside in the jurisdiction and have recently applied to purchase handguns.  Based on a successful program in Los Angeles, this resolution urges law enforcement to send letters to these prospective handgun purchasers to inform them of their responsibilities as firearm owners.  This resolution is designed for use by local jurisdictions in California.