Sacramento, California – A recent study conducted by gun safety group Everytown USA has confirmed the life-saving impact of California’s gun laws. According to the study, if all states were to adopt similar policies and match California’s gun death rate, an estimated 300,000 lives could be saved over the next decade.
The study, released by the gun violence prevention non-profit organization, provides the first glimpse into the potential impact of stronger gun laws across the United States. With significant variations in firearm laws from state to state, experts see this estimate as a significant breakthrough in understanding the effectiveness of such laws.
Everytown for Gun Safety’s study ranked all 50 states based on the strength of their gun laws in 2023 compared to their gun death rates. The analysis placed California and New York at the top of the list for gun safety, while Arkansas ranked last due to the weakness of its gun laws and high rate of gun deaths.
Despite being home to the two largest cities in the United States, New York and California have managed to maintain some of the lowest gun death rates in the country. While New York’s gun death rate stands at 5.3 deaths per 100,000 residents, California’s rate is 8.7 per 100,000 residents. In contrast, Arkansas, with only one-sixth of the population of New York, has a gun violence rate of 22.1 deaths per 100,000 residents.
The study identifies five foundational laws that have proven to be most effective in lowering gun violence rates. These laws include background checks and permits for firearms purchases, permits for carrying concealed guns in public, secure storage of firearms, rejection of “Stand Your Ground” laws, and the establishment of “extreme risk” laws that temporarily restrict a person’s access to firearms when there is evidence of a serious risk to themselves or others. Both California and New York have implemented these laws.
The findings of this study highlight the potential impact of enacting stronger gun laws nationwide. By following the example set by California and New York, it is estimated that close to 300,000 lives could be saved over the next 10 years. These results serve as an important reference point for policymakers and advocates aiming to combat the pervasive issue of gun violence in the United States.
In conclusion, a recent study by Everytown USA highlights the life-saving potential of California’s gun laws. If replicated nationwide, these laws have the capacity to save an estimated 300,000 lives over the next decade. This analysis provides valuable insights into the effectiveness of stronger gun laws and serves as a reference point for policymakers and advocates working towards reducing gun violence nationwide.