Relative to National Gun Violence Awareness Day.
The bill highlights California's concerning gun death statistics, noting that there are 3,160 gun deaths annually in the state, which equates to a rate of 7.8 deaths per 100,000 people. Recognizing firearms as a leading cause of death among children, the resolution aims to change public perception and behavior towards gun violence, urging citizens to engage in preventive measures against it. The declaration is meant to encourage collective action and community support in efforts to reduce gun violence and keep firearms away from individuals who should not have access to them.
House Resolution No. 39, introduced by Assembly Members Gabriel and Wicks, focuses on raising awareness about gun violence by declaring June 2, 2023, as National Gun Violence Awareness Day in California. This resolution is a response to the alarming statistics regarding gun violence in the United States, where each day, over 110 Americans are killed, and approximately 200 others are wounded by firearms. The magnitude of this issue, particularly against the backdrop of rising gun violence since the COVID-19 pandemic, underscores the intent of this resolution to prioritize public safety and community awareness.
By establishing National Gun Violence Awareness Day, the resolution partly honors the memory of Hadiya Pendleton, a victim of gun violence. The initiative invites individuals to wear orange on this day as a symbol of commitment to preventing such tragedies. However, while it seeks to promote awareness and responsible gun ownership, the resolution's impact is largely symbolic as it does not enforce legal changes or regulations concerning gun ownership or usage directly. This raises the question of whether such awareness campaigns can effectively contribute to meaningful legislative shifts regarding gun control measures.