The Department of Justice (DOJ) has provided California with an opportunity to avoid a federal lawsuit ahead of the state's planned ban on semiautomatic Glock-style handguns, set to take effect on July 1. Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon sent a letter to Governor Gavin Newsom and California Attorney General Rob Bonta, urging them to engage in pre-suit settlement negotiations by June 30. Dhillon contends that the ban infringes upon citizens' Second Amendment rights, highlighting the popularity of handguns for self-defense in the U.S.
The legislation prohibits licensed firearms dealers from selling semiautomatic handguns, specifically targeting Glocks and Glock-style pistols due to concerns about their potential conversion into fully automatic weapons. However, the law does not criminalize the current ownership or private resale of these firearms. Dhillon expressed concerns about the bill, stating that it could lead to a violation of constitutional rights.
If negotiations occur, the DOJ will defer the anticipated lawsuit. The federal government is currently involved in lawsuits against Denver and Washington, D.C., regarding their firearms regulations. Additionally, Illinois lawmakers are considering a similar ban to California's, although progress has stalled in the General Assembly.