Our editorial inbox has been filled with submissions from the various airsoft companies operating out of California. They all have a single message, and that is, their opposition to California SB 798 which will now be voted upon by the Assembly. We have merged them into one feature story so that over the weekend, you'll be able to learn more about the implications to you when this bill is passed, and for the airsoft industry in California.

Even if you're not a resident of California, you should be concerned. If politicians in other US states and countries see this as an opportunity if this gets passed to make their own legislation banning or suppressing our hobby, then your area might be next. It's better to nip this in the bud, and all the arguments and positions put into paper, and can be the basis for airsoft communities from all over to use in case something similar happens in their locations.

Here's the video of the joint airsoft retailer video on SB 798 as submitted by Airsoft Megastore:

Echo1 USA Airsoft clarifies their oppostion and how you can help in opposing SB 798:

WE MUST ALL STAND TOGETHER AND SHOW OUR OPPOSITION TO CALIFORNIA STATE SENATE BILL 798

You may or not be aware with the recent activities regarding Senate Bill SB798. This is a brief run down regarding the history and current status. In late 2010 a teenager was shot in Los Angeles by LAPD.  The 5'7" 200lb teenager was wielding an Airsoft Pistol failed to comply with LAPD. At which point was fired upon and struck by an LAPD officer.

This has lead LAPD Police Chief Beck and Senator Kevin DeLeon to come up with Senate Bill 798 - Imitation Firearms which would essentially require all BB devices to have the entire exterior surface of the device white, bright red, bright orange, bright yellow, bright green, bright blue, bright pink, or bright purple, either singly or as the predominant color in combination with other colors in any pattern, as provided by federal regulations governing imitation firearms, or where the entire device is constructed of transparent or translucent materials which permits unmistakable observation of the device's complete contents, as provided by federal regulations governing imitation firearms.

How does this affect me?

This bill would make the provision imposing a civil fine on the sale, manufacture, transportation, receipt, or distribution of imitation firearms for commercial purposes applicable to BB devices.  Essentially putting every California based retailer and distributor out of business. The bill will not just affect California, the repercussions will be felt around the world.

Is this the right thing for California right now?

This bill will make thousands upon thousands of people unemployed virtually overnight. California will be losing multiple millions of dollars of tax revenue annually. It will force even more business to leave California, much like the other industries already have.

What can I do?

You must act now and with great vigilance and in numbers. Please write a formal letter to the California State Assembly Members, Governor Jerry Brown, and California Rifle & Pistol Association Legistive Liason Tom Pedersen stating how this bill will affect airsoft businesses, local law enforcement, and the State of California. This bill can be heard as early as the 3rd week of May. Include in the formal letter answers to the following questions:

• How this bill will affect the airsoft industry and the State of California
• How this bill will put your airsoft companies out of business, leaving employees unemployed
• How California will lose millions in tax revenue and thousands of Californians will be unemployed

More information is available at http://www.echo1usa.com/sb798

Airsoft GI puts out information on how to contact Assembly members:

Here is a list of the Assembly members on the Committee for Public Saftey.  Contact these representatives with your name and address and let them know that you're against the bill.

Committee Members            District       Phone           E-mail

Tom Ammiano - Chair    Dem-13          (916) 319-2013   [email protected]

Steve Knight - Vice Chair    Rep-36  (916) 319-2036   [email protected]

Gilbert Cedillo               Dem-45             (916) 319-2045   [email protected]

Curt Hagman                 Rep-60 (916) 319-2060   [email protected]

Jerry Hill                       Dem-19             (916) 319-2019   [email protected]

Holly J. Mitchell             Dem-47             (916) 319-2047   [email protected]

Nancy Skinner                   Dem-14        (916) 319-2014   [email protected]

Please do your part. Say NO TO SB 798.