SACRAMENTO, Calif. – A bill supported by police chiefs and authored by Senator Melissa Hurtado (D-Bakersfield) to prevent criminals convicted of having ghost guns from buying, possessing or owning a firearm within 10 years of their convictions passed out of a Senate committee today. The bill, SB 1220 – the Peace Officer Protection Act – will now move to the Senate Appropriations Committee.

“Violent criminals are using technology and underground means to create unregistered guns to avoid police detection, which puts our communities and officers at risk,” Senator Hurtado said. “This common sense bill gives law enforcement an important tool to reduce the ability of a violent criminal to carry a firearm, and will help protect our communities and the officers who protect us.”

During today’s hearing, the Senate Public Safety Committee passed the bill by a vote of 5-1.

In a letter of support of SB 1220, President of the California Policy Chiefs Association Sean Thuilliez wrote: “From a law enforcement perspective, firearm prohibition laws are a critical tool in preventing violence before it occurs. Officers across California routinely encounter situations involving individuals with prior convictions who remain in possession of firearms despite existing restrictions. Strengthening and clarifying these prohibitions enhances enforceability, improves compliance, and reduces the likelihood that firearms fall into the hands of individuals who present an elevated risk to the community.”

Senator Melissa Hurtado is Chair of Senate Budget Subcommittee #4 on State Administration and General Government and currently represents the 16th Senate District in the California Legislature, which includes portions of Fresno, Tulare, Kings and Kern Counties.

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