SACRAMENTO – Senate Republican Leader Patricia Bates (R-Laguna Niguel) released the following statement after Governor Brown signed Senate Bill 620 which could allow courts to dismiss penalty enhancements for criminals who use a gun, an “assault weapon,” even a machine gun while committing or attempting to commit a felony crime. Hardened, dangerous criminals who choose to use a gun to commit their crimes and threaten our communities could face lighter sentences.
“In light of the Las Vegas massacre, it makes no sense for the governor to sign a bill that would give judges the ability to reduce sentences for criminals who use guns. Any criminal who used a gun to terrorize individuals, families and communities deserves the maximum sentence available. SB 620 is bad public policy and will jeopardize the safety of our residents and neighborhoods,” said Senate Republican Leader Bates.
Back in September, Senator Bates submitted a letter to the governor urging him to veto SB 620.
Excerpts from Senator Bates’ veto letter:
“As the author of the original “10-20-life” bill noted; the problem is not guns, the problem is gun violence – criminals misusing guns to terrorize, injure and kill their victims.”
“Given that we all share the goal of reducing gun violence, it is unclear why we would want to provide judges with the option of removing the enhancement for the use of a firearm during any one of these particularly violent crimes.”
Click here to read the entire veto letter from Senator Bates.
Senate Republican Leader Patricia Bates (R-Laguna Niguel) represents the 36th Senate District in the California Legislature, which covers North San Diego County, South Orange County and Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. Follow her on Twitter and Facebook.
For press inquiries or questions, please contact Jacqui Nguyen, press secretary for the Senate Republican Caucus at (858) 999-7706.
