Gun owner rights groups sue over state age restrictions

By Don Thompson
Associated Press

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Gun owners’ rights groups are asking a federal judge to overturn a California law raising the age to purchase a rifle or shotgun from 18 to 21.

The Calguns Foundation, Firearms Policy Coalition, Firearms Policy Foundation, and Second Amendment Foundation sued this week in federal court in San Diego, contending that those over 18 are legally adults and can’t be deprived of their Second Amendment right to bear arms.

“The Second Amendment is not a second-class right and adults over the age of 18 but under 21 are not second-class people,” Brandon Combs, who heads both Firearms Policy groups, said in a statement.

The higher age limit already applied to handguns, but supporters of last year’s legislation argued that some of the nation’s worst mass shootings have been committed by young adults using rifles, including the Valentine’s Day 2018 slayings at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.

The law by Democratic Sen. Anthony Portantino of La Cañada Flintridge includes exemptions for young adults who have hunting licenses or are in the military or law enforcement.

He noted that those under 21 also are barred from buying alcohol or tobacco or renting a car.

“Parents should not be worried about purchasing bulletproof backpacks or afraid of gun violence on our campuses when California has already put in place an effort to alleviate those concerns,” Portantino said in statement calling the lawsuit “a dumb and heartless effort that needlessly puts our children at risk.”

Separately, the Firearms Policy Coalition said a federal judge in Sacramento recently allowed its lawsuit to continue against the state Department of Justice on behalf of owners of assault weapons that remain legal in California.

Owners of those weapons equipped with so-called “bullet buttons” that allow for the rapid exchange of ammunition magazines were required to register them with the department last year.

But the owners said systemic problems with the department’s website prevented many from meeting the deadline, leaving them to face potential criminal charges.

Justice Department officials did not respond to requests for comment on either lawsuit.