WASHINGTON
Chairman Thompson applauds final rule expanding background checks for firearm sales
Today, Chair of the House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04), released the following statement on the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives’ final rule expanding required background checks before firearm sales.
“Today’s rule is a leap forward in closing dangerous, decades-old loopholes that have allowed many firearm buyers to bypass background checks,” said Thompson. “There’s no doubt this rule will help save lives by keeping guns out of dangerous hands.”
Previously, only sellers “engaged in the business” of firearm dealing were required to register as a Federal firearm licensee (FFL) and therefore conduct background checks for firearm sales. Today’s rule expands the definition of “engaged in the business” of dealing firearms to anyone who sells firearms to earn a profit, greatly expanding the number of firearms dealers legally required to register as FFLs. Firearms sellers previously operating without running background checks will be obligated to perform them before selling a firearm to a buyer.
This rule was made possible by the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, the most consequential gun violence prevention legislation signed into law in decades which Rep. Thompson was proud to help pass.
Chairman Thompson has long supported expanding background checks for firearm sales. Rep. Thompson has introduced background check legislation every Congress since the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary shooting which killed 20 children and six adult staff members.
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KELSEYVILLE
Konocti Women’s Service Club Fundraiser
The Konocti Women’s Service Club (KWSC) supports our local schools, charitable organizations and Lake County families in need. One hundred percent of the monies raised are used to help children who are at risk or in-need in Lake County.
Our Club’s largest fundraiser this year will be an enjoyable and exciting “Luau”. It will take place at Konocti Harbor Resort in Kelseyville on Sunday, June 2, 2024, from 5 pm to 9 pm.
Tickets are $100 each for this event and are on sale through Eventbrite.com. We are seeking donations from merchants and others in our communities to help fill beautiful baskets, awesome silent and live auction items or sponsor tables.
When there is a need, we make it a reality. The KWSC’s motto is “for kid’s sake”. The children of today are our tomorrow’s future. Please help us help them.
Please join us at the newly renovated pool area at Konocti Harbor Resort for our upcoming Luau on June 2, 2024. We thank you for your support.
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SACRAMENTO
Cal OES announces $39 million in awards to help nonprofit and faith-based organizations enhance security and safety
Reinforcing efforts to protect Californians from hate-motivated violence, the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) today announced awarding $39 million to 193 community groups across the state. This announcement follows Gov. Gavin Newsom’s additional $20 million investment in the program last October to further the state’s efforts to bolster safety and security at nonprofit organizations.
Funding for the program, which was approved by Gov. Newsom and the legislature in the 2023-24 state budget, provides grants for physical security enhancements to nonprofit organizations that are at high risk for violent attacks and hate crimes due to ideology, beliefs or mission. Since the inception of the program in 2015, the state has awarded $152,750,000 in state funding to 924 community groups.
“These important security investments will help protect diverse communities across the state from acts of violence and hate,” said Gov. Newsom. “Regardless of background, faith, or identity, every Californian deserves safety and security.”
The California State Nonprofit Security Grant Program experienced pronounced demand. Over the past few months, the state reviewed a record 1,254 applications – in aggregate totaling over $255 million in need in communities across California, nearly double the previous record. This competitive, rigorous process is administered by Cal OES. Possible security enhancements include:
- Reinforced doors
- Gates
- High-intensity lighting and access control systems
- Inspection and screening systems
Funds are awarded through a competitive grant process for which organizations, particularly those targeted on the basis of race, religious affiliation, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, immigration status or similar criteria may apply.
“We hope the resources provided through these grants will help local organizations take proactive steps to enhance their security,” said Nancy Ward, Director of Cal OES.
Applications are graded using scored criteria set out in the request for proposal, taking into consideration the risk of specific threat, vulnerability and infrastructure requirements.
To see the breakdown that shows the distribution of funds awarded today visit: https://wp.me/pd8T7h-9eZ
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