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SACRAMENTO, Calif. (KGO) -- Despite support from the largest police department in the state, a bill to require air guns to be brightly colored died on Tuesday at the state capitol. During a packed committed hearing, lawmakers examined air guns to get an idea of how authentic they look.
The Los Angeles Police Chief Charlie Beck testified in support of the senate bill. He says making B.B. and other air guns bright colors would prevent officers from mistakenly shooting at someone holding an air gun. "So far, this year, 2011, 25 times my police officers have used deadly force. In two of those instances, suspects were armed with airsoft or other replica pistols. These individuals did not have to be shot," said Beck.
Manufacturers, sellers and airgun users successfully argued that the bill is a job killer and an illogical attempt to improve public safety. California already requires toy guns to be brightly colored.