Sacramento – This week, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 1982 (Mathis – 2024), which allows an individual to use a Veteran Health Identification Card issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs to certify Veteran status for exemption from the requirement to possess a Firearm Safety Certificate when purchasing a firearm. Assemblyman Mathis issued the following statement after the vote:
“This week, the Governor signed my bill that will simplify the process for Veterans to exercise their 2nd Amendment Rights. Our Veterans put their lives on the line to protect our freedoms yet unfortunately, there are still unnecessary barriers when our Veterans try to exercise those very same freedoms. As a Veteran myself, I take Veterans’ issues, especially their rights, very seriously. AB 1982 will allow Veterans to use their Veteran Health Identification Card as a legal document to qualify for an exemption from the Firearm Safety Certificate requirement when purchasing a firearm. These heroes have risked their lives in defense of our country and deserve to be able to exercise the rights & privileges that are afforded to them. I’m proud to see this common-sense legislation signed into law and as I finish up my final year in the Legislature, I will continue to be a strong advocate for our Veterans, both in the Assembly and beyond,” said Assemblyman Devon Mathis.
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