Gov. Gavin Newsom recently signed legislation imposing a 10-year prohibition on gun ownership or possession for anyone convicted of child endangerment or elder abuse.

The law closes a significant loophole in California’s gun laws. Numerous criminal offenses can result in individuals being prohibited individuals having guns for 10 years, including assaulting a stranger.

“The people who lose their gun privileges under this law are convicted abusers who preyed on our most vulnerable citizens – elders and children – often while living under the same roof with them,” San Diego City Attorney Mara W. Elliott said. “Many lives will be saved by removing firearms from these households. I thank the mayor and City Council for making gun violence prevention a priority for our city, and Gov. Newsom for signing this bill to protect Californians.”

AB 2239 was included by Mayor Todd Gloria and the City Council in the City of San Diego’s legislative program. The bill, sponsored by Assemblymember Brian Maeinschein, was approved unanimously in both the state Assembly and Senate.

“The City of San Diego is the proud sponsor of AB 2239, which protects communities by restricting gun access for those that commit senior and child abuse,” said Gloria. “San Diego is proud to be a leader in gun violence prevention. We cannot stand idly by while our nation is plagued by mass shootings. I am grateful to Assemblymember Maienschein for carrying this bill, to the City Attorney Mara Elliott for her partnership on this issue, and to Gov. Gavin Newsom for his signature today.”

Newsome signed the legislation Thursday; it goes into effect Jan. 1, 2023.

Elliott noted that by removing guns from the homes of abused children, the law would deprive them of the most lethal form of suicide. Abused children are twice as likely to attempt suicide as their peers. For children who experience sexual abuse, the likelihood of attempted suicide increases three and a half times.