SACRAMENTO– Based on research by the UC Davis Violence Prevention Research Program (VPRP), which found an increased risk of future violence among firearm owners with certain alcohol-related convictions, State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) introduced legislation today to restrict gun ownership among Californians who have been convicted of such alcohol offenses.
California law prohibits people convicted of certain crimes from possessing firearms either permanently or for a 10-year period. Senate Bill 55 adds certain crimes involving alcohol to the list of violations that result in a 10-year restriction on ownership and possession of firearms. These crimes include multiple driving under the influence (DUI) convictions or vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated.
Authored by Dr. Garen J. Wintemute and others in 2017, the UC Davis study found that prior alcohol-related convictions were associated with a four to fivefold increase in risk of incident arrest for a violent or firearm-related crime. The relative risk increase is greater than that seen for age or sex.
“The research demonstrates that people with certain alcohol-related convictions are at increased risk of committing a violent or firearm-related crime,” said Senator Jackson. “With over 3,000 Californians killed by firearms each year, we should do everything we can to ensure those at risk of harming themselves or others do not have access to these deadly weapons.”
A second VPRP study of alcohol and risk for future crime among firearm owners, nearing completion, is funded in part by the University of California Firearm Violence Research Center, which was established by the California Legislature in 2016.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 3,184 Californians lost their lives to firearms in 2016. In the U.S. overall, the number was over 38,000.
Jackson represents the 19th Senate District, which includes all of Santa Barbara County and western Ventura County.