KQED - Thompson Launches Gun Initiative

HOST: A California gun control law that's been on the books for more than a decade could become a national model. Jacob Fenston reports a North Bay Congressman introduced the legislation Wednesday in Washington.

JACOB FENSTON: There are thousands of illegal guns that government agencies have the data to track down, but they lack the resources to sort through that data. California Attorney General Kamala Harris explains it's all about lists.

KAMALA HARRIS: "It is the list of those who have registered to own a gun, and then comparing that to two other lists."

FENSTON: Lists of people no longer allowed to own guns, either because of a felony conviction, or a mental health problem. California has been comparing lists since 2001, netting more than 10,000 illegal weapons.

Democrat Mike Thompson's bill would set up competitive federal grants to help other states follow California's lead.

MIKE THOMPSON: "States can come up with their own ideas on how to do this."

FENSTON: Thompson says the bill should get Republican support - after all, the California law was sponsored by a Republican.