California Lawmakers Vow Renewed Focus on Gun Control

California already has some of the toughest gun laws in the country, but some members of the Legislature say the state needs to go further. And the increased power of Democrats in the state Capitol may help them.

A group of lawmakers announced plans on Monday to form a gun violence prevention working group with the goal of introducing gun control bills to the Legislature. Assemblyman Jesse Gabriel, D-San Fernando Valley, is leading the effort.

“We realized that we have all of the ingredients that we need to make meaningful change," Gabriel said. "We have expanded democratic majorities in both houses. We have a bright and ambitious new governor with a real track record on this issue — somebody who wants to make it a priority."

The group will introduce new bills, but they’ll also attempt to bring back legislation that was vetoed by former Gov. Jerry Brown.

That includes Senate Bill 61, which would limit people to buying one gun per month. Another bill, Assembly Bill 61, would allow employers, coworkers or teachers to request a gun violence restraining order for someone who may pose a danger to themselves or others.

The lawmakers were joined at their announcement by former U.S. Democratic Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords of Arizona. In 2011, Giffords was shot in the head at close range while hosting a constituent event in Tucson, Arizona. Since then, she has worked as an advocate for gun control.

"Stopping gun violence takes courage," Giffords said. "Now is the time to come together, be responsible. Democrats, Republicans, everyone. We must never stop fighting."

However, California’s gun control efforts could be stalled by a U.S. Supreme Court that is in closer alignment with gun rights groups.

And despite strict laws, California has been the scene of several mass shootings, including a November incident in which 12 people were shot and killed at a bar in Thousand Oaks.