The Orange County Register’s editorial board criticized Governor Gavin Newsom’s unsuccessful attempt to push for a gun control amendment to the United States Constitution on April 24, 2024.
According to Breitbart News, Newsom proposed the amendment on June 8, 2023, aiming to restrict gun ownership by banning “assault weapons,” implementing universal background checks, setting a minimum age of 21 for gun purchases, and enforcing a waiting period.
Despite Newsom’s efforts, California Democrats, led by Assembly member Reggie Jones-Sawyer and Senator Aisha Wahab, have been waiting for other states to join their push for a constitutional convention to adopt the amendment. The Orange County Register highlighted the lack of support from other states, despite Democrats controlling legislatures in 18 states in addition to California.
Constitutional attorney Cody J. Wisniewski previously expressed skepticism about Newsom’s amendment, citing the limited appetite for such strict gun control measures across the country. Since Wisniewski’s critique in June 2023, two more states have adopted permitless carry laws, bringing the total to 29 states with such provisions.
Overall, Newsom’s gun control amendment has faced challenges and criticism, with doubts about its feasibility and widespread support.
