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Governor Brown Signs Slate Of Gun Control Measures Into Law

SACRAMENTO (CBSLA.com/AP) — California Gov. Jerry Brown has signed six stringent gun control measures, including a requirement that people turn in high-capacity magazines and regulations requiring background checks for ammunition sales.

The Democratic governor vetoed other gun bills Friday, including a requirement to register homemade firearms and report lost or stolen weapons to authorities.

Brown's action is consistent with his mixed record on gun control in a state that already has some of the most stringent laws in the nation. Some of the bills enacted duplicate provisions of a ballot measure by Democratic Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom that will appear on the November ballot.

He vetoed at least one saying voters will decide.

Democratic legislative leaders tried unsuccessfully to persuade Newsom to withdraw his initiative, worried it might drive conservatives to the polls.

CBS2's Michele Gile reported the ban also included the sale of assault weapons containing bullet buttons.

The buttons are used to pop out ammunition magazines to make it easier for the shooter to reload.

Brown also signed a bill that would ban magazines that hold more than 10 bullets.

The Bleks, an Orange County couple, have been fierce gun control advocates for decades. Their son Matthew was shot and killed during an attempted robbery in New York City.

The Bleks applauded the governor.

"The true reason we are involved," said Mary Leigh Blek, "is that we know the pain of losing a loved one to senseless gun violence."

Charles Blek is hoping the governor's moves helps to spur the rest of the nation.

"One out of every eight Americans lives in California," he said, "so what we do in this state not only has a substantial  effect on that population but has a ripple effect on the country."

(TM and © Copyright 2016 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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