California Senate approves raising age to buy long guns

SACRAMENTO - California would raise the age for buying rifles and shotguns from 18 to 21 and bar people from buying more than one long gun each month under a bill advancing in the Legislature.

It's been a frequently debated topic nationwide after a Florida high school shooting that killed 17 people.

The Senate on Tuesday approved the measure by Democratic Sen. Anthony Portantino of La Canada Flintridge, sending it to the Assembly on a 23-10 vote.

It extends age and purchase limits that currently apply only to handguns.

Republican Sen. Jim Nielsen of Gerber says California should instead target criminal gangs and those with mental disabilities whom he said will obtain the guns no matter the legal limits.

Walmart and Dick's Sporting Goods previously announced age limits on gun sales.