San Jose follows state’s lead on tougher gun laws; critics say policy unfairly taxes owners

SAN JOSE LEADERS are tightening local gun buying laws to pair with California firearms regulations and through recommendations from the city’s watchdog group.

A 10-day waiting period for buying handguns in San Jose will extend to all firearms, and residents under 18 will no longer be able to use the written permission of their parents or guardian to purchase guns after the City Council voted Dec. 3 on the policy change. Officials across San Jose have taken a more active role in gun control policy after the VTA mass shooting in 2021 left nine dead and a community calling for change. But critics say the city isn’t working fast enough.