Firearms: owner-authorized handguns.

Existing law establishes criteria for determining if a handgun is unsafe. Existing law generally requires manufacturers to submit samples of new handgun models for testing to determine if they are unsafe or may be approved for sale, as specified. Other provisions of existing law, subject to exceptions, generally make it an offense to manufacture or sell a handgun that is not safe. This bill would provide that commencing 18 months following the Attorney General's reporting that owner-authorized handguns are available for retail sale, as specified, a handgun would be unsafe if it was not owner-authorized, as defined, and would provide an exception to these provisions for the sale, loan, or transfer of handguns manufactured in or imported into this state prior to that date, as specified. The bill would specify requirements that owner-authorized handguns would be required to meet in order for the Attorney General to determine that owner-authorized handguns are available for retail sale, and in order to comply with certain safety standards, as specified. The bill would require the Attorney General, commencing July 1, 2010, and every July 1 thereafter through 2015, to report to the Governor and the Legislature regarding the progress made on the availability for retail sale of owner-authorized handguns, as specified. By expanding the application of provisions of law that define a criminal offense, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The bill would also provide that, commencing 18 months following the Attorney General's reporting that owner-authorized handguns are available for retail sale, as specified, any person who intentionally disables or circumvents the technology of an owner-authorized handgun is guilty of a misdemeanor. By creating a new crime, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program. 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.