SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Gov. Gavin Newsom says he wants to empower private citizens to enforce a ban on the manufacture and sale of assault weapons in the state.
Newsom's proposal is similar to a Texas law that outlaws abortions after a fetal heartbeat is detected.
The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday allowed Texas' abortion law to stay in effect while it is challenged in court.
Saturday, Newsom said he would use the same idea to enforce a ban on the manufacture and sale of assault weapons in California.
Republican state Sen. Brian Dahle dismissed Newsom's proposal as grandstanding for a possible run for president.
![Gavin Newsom](https://ewscripps.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/f76d035/2147483647/strip/true/crop/4921x2768+0+256/resize/1280x720!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fewscripps-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F32%2F84%2Fc758a64d4dfa9a6fde4afe69b2a7%2Fap21346171059368.jpg)
Rich Pedroncelli/AP
FILE - California Gov. Gavin Newsom addresses reporters after beating back the recall that aimed to remove him from office, at the John L. Burton California Democratic Party headquarters in Sacramento, Calif., Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2021. Newsom on Saturday, Dec. 11 pledged to empower private citizens to enforce a ban on the manufacture and sale assault weapons in the state, citing the same authority claimed by conservative lawmakers in Texas to outlaw most abortions once a heartbeat is detected. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli, File)
![Gavin Newsom](https://ewscripps.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/f76d035/2147483647/strip/true/crop/4921x2768+0+256/resize/1280x720!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fewscripps-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F32%2F84%2Fc758a64d4dfa9a6fde4afe69b2a7%2Fap21346171059368.jpg)
Posted
Copyright 2021 Scripps Media, Inc. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.