AB 2571

The State Assembly passed AB 2571 and put it on the Governor’s desk for signature on June 30th, 2022. Because it includes an Emergency Clause, it went into effect July 1st, 2022. This bill makes it illegal to advertise any firearms, parts, ammunition, or apparel from any firearms industry member directed to minors in the State of California. Penalties for each violation are fines up to $25000 per violation. As it is written, EF&GA would likely be considered a firearms industry member. As a result, we temporarily removed all advertising of any Junior Marksmanship events pending further advice from our attorney and any changes to the implementation and enforcement of the law.

Escondido Fish & Game Association is NOT a political organization and is NOT affiliated with any political party or politician. Individual members are free to have their individual opinions, but the Association has no official political positions. With that in mind, it is obvious that AB 2571 conflicts with our stated mission:

The objectives of Escondido Fish & Game Association are to promote conservation of our fish and game, to cooperate with the responsible fish & game government agencies, to promote fellowship among sportsmen and landowners, to promote the shooting sports, to serve the community by providing training such as hunter education and firearm safety, and to assist youth organizations in their firearms training.

Our Junior Marksmanship Program has grown over the years and we are hoping to continue with that tradition.

AB 160

On August 31st, 2022 the California State Assembly and State Senate unanimously passed AB 160 as a Public Safety Trailer Bill to clarify and narrow the law written in AB 2571. On the evening of September 29th, 2022 the Governor signed AB 160 into law. AB 160 amends Section 22949.80 of the Business and Professions Code (the section added by AB 2571) with the following additional language:

22949.80.(a)(3) This subdivision does not apply to a communication offering or promoting any firearm safety program, hunting safety or promotional program, firearm instructional course, sport shooting event or competition, or any similar program, course, or event, nor does it apply to a communication offering or promoting membership in any organization, or promotion of lawful hunting activity, including, but not limited to, any fundraising event, youth hunting program, or outdoor camp.

This amendment means that we can now resume our Junior Marksmanship Program events with the specific caveat that we do not advertise any specific vendor or product at or in conjunction with any of our events. For example, we will not display banners advertising a firearms dealer at a Junior Marksmanship event, but we are able to promote and advertise the event itself.

Additional Links

[Link to AB2571 text]
[Link to AB160 text]
[Link to Junior Sports Magazines v. Bonta Documents]
[Junior Marksmanship Shoot Chair Contact Info]