What Is Proposition 63? Voter Guide for 2016 California Measures

LOS ANGELES, CA -- Proposition 63 would require background checks for the purchase of ammunition, and it would ban large-capacity magazines. It would also make it a felony to steal a gun.

Its supporters say it will keep guns and bullets out of the wrong hands while opponents say it imposes costly burdens on law enforcement agencies and taxpayers. State analysts say it could cost up to tens of millions of dollars annually for a new court process for removing firearms from prohibited people.

RELATED: California Voters Poised to Pass New Gun and Ammo Restrictions

According to a USC Dornsife/Los Angeles Times poll released Thursday, the measure has strong voter support with 58 percent in favor of it versus 35 percent opposed.

In addition to requiring the destruction or removal from the state of large-capacity ammunition magazines, Proposition 63 would also require most individuals to pass background checks and obtain Department of Justice authorization to purchase ammunition.

The measure enjoys the support of a broad coalition of groups including the Democratic Party, the California League of Women Voters, the California Medical Association, 10 city councils, and several district attorneys. They contend the measure keeps guns out of the wrong hands while protecting the 2nd Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens.

The measure has opposition from the Republican and Libertarian parties along with the NRA Members’ Council and the California Police Chiefs Association. Opponents argue the measure would create an undue burden on law enforcement without effectively keeping guns out of the hands of terrorists and violent criminals.

According to the ballot summary, Proposition 63:

• "Requires individuals to pass a background check and obtain Department of Justice authorization to purchase ammunition.
• Prohibits possession of large-capacity ammunition magazines, and requires their disposal, as specified.
• Requires most ammunition sales be made through licensed ammunition vendors and reported to Department of Justice.
• Requires lost or stolen firearms and ammunition be reported to law enforcement.
• Prohibits persons convicted of stealing a firearm from possessing firearms.
• Establishes new procedures for enforcing laws prohibiting firearm possession.
• Requires Department of Justice to provide information about prohibited persons to federal National Instant Criminal Background Check System."

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 8

Your polling place is listed on the back of the sample ballot you receive in the mail. It can also be found by visiting www.sos.ca.gov/elections/polling-place or by calling (800) 345-VOTE (8683).

For more on all of California's measures, see below:

• What Is Proposition 51?
• What Is Proposition 52?
• What Is Proposition 53?
• What Is Proposition 54?
• What Is Proposition 55?
• What Is Proposition 56?
• What Is Proposition 57?
• What Is Proposition 58?
• What Is Proposition 59?
• What Is Proposition 60?
• What Is Proposition 61?
• What Is Proposition 62?
• What Is Proposition 63?
• What Is Proposition 64?
• What Is Proposition 65?
• What Is Proposition 66?
• What Is Proposition 67?

City News Service contributed to this report.

Photo: voxluna via flickr.com