Federal lawmakers on both sides of the gun control issue will be keeping a close watch on two controversial state laws now being considered by the California State Assembly.

Handgun Buyer Licensing and Proficiency Testing Bill
The bill most hotly opposed by gun owner's rights groups, AB 35, would require Californians wanting to buy a handgun to:

• "perform a safe handling demonstration encompassing various types of handguns,"
• "perform a shooting proficiency demonstration,"
• "complete and pass a written test,"

The written test will cover:

• "Current law related to the private sale and transfer of firearms."
• "Current law as it relates to permissible use of lethal force."
• "What constitutes safe firearms storage."
• "Risks associated with bringing a handgun into the home."
• "Prevention strategies to risks associated with bringing a handgun into the home."

Buyers who pass both the gun handling and written test will then be required to purchase a "handgun owner's license," good for four years, at a cost of up to $32. The buyer's thumbprint will be applied to the license.

A highly controversial additional regulation that would have required licensing of all currently owned handguns was removed from the bill.

AB 35 is sponsored by California Assembly Majority Leader Kevin Shelley (D-San Francisco), and was recently approved by the Assembly Public Safety Committee on a 5-2 party-line vote, with Democrats controlling the committee. The bill now moves to the Assembly Appropriations committee.

"With liberty and licenses for all."
A non-commercial California driver's license costs $12 and is good for up to five years.

In every California Department of Motor Vehicles office, a large sign advises motorists that driver's licenses are required because, "Driving is a privilege, not a right."

Now, as bill AB 35 is considered, thousands of California gun owners are advising lawmakers that gun licenses should not be required because, "Gun ownership is a right, not a privilege," referring to the "right to keep and bear arms," contained in the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

Source: About.com