
	California Gun Group Defeat Anti Industry Measures Thanks to an alliance of vigilant gun owner groups that included the NRA, Gun Owners of California, and the California Rifle & Pistol Association, efforts to repeal the state law prohibiting reckless lawsuits against firearm and ammunition manufacturers was stopped not once, but twice. State Sen. Don Perata’s SB-682, a bill that would have opened the industry up to liability suits for the criminal use of its products, passed the Senate but was stalled in the Assembly Judiciary Committee. He next made a last ditch effort by attaching his liability provisions to a pro-gun bill as it made its way to the Assembly for a floor vote. Quick action on the part of gun owners and intense lobbying over three days that continued into the late hours of the legislative session rallied an outcry of opposition, and Perata was forced to withdraw his amendment. Observers caution, however, that Perata and his liability proposals will be back next year. “We are confident that working together we can beat any stand-alone bill he might introduce,” said Sam Paredes, executive director of Gun Owners of California. “But we must always remain alert for just such political maneuvering as we experienced here,” Paredes said. NSSF President and CEO Bob Delfay expressed his appreciation for the exceptional work that the coalition of gun groups undertook. “All of us in the industry are extremely appreciative of their efforts, and owe a special, well-deserved thanks to Ed Worley of the NRA, Gerald Upholt of the California Rifle & Pistol Associations, and to Sam for their commitment and vigilance,” Delfay said.