California Gov. Newsom signs gun law modeled after Texas' abortion ban: 'We're using Texas' perverse abortion law to actually save lives'

• In Texas, Senate Bill 8 lets people sue anyone who performs or aids in an abortion.
• Newsom's bill is similar but allows Californians to sue those who make or distribute illegal assault weapons.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a gun control bill on Friday that mimicked Texas' anti-abortion law allowing state residents to sue anyone who assists a pregnant person in obtaining an abortion.

Senate Bill 1327 will allow Californians to take legal action against those who make, sell, transport, or distribute illegal assault weapons such as .50 caliber rifles and ghost guns, or for damages of at least $10,000 per weapon.

In February, a Sacramento father used a ghost gun — a gun without a serial number — to kill his three daughters and then himself.

According to the bill, the same damages can also be applied to gun dealers who illegally sell firearms to those who are under 21 years old.

At the press conference, Newsom said the legislation was modeled after Texas' Senate Bill 8, which awards $10,000 to any private citizen who outs those that perform or aid in an abortion.

"We are taking action here today," Newsom said.

The announcement was made at Santa Monica College, where five people were killed in a 2013 shooting.

While Newsom was flanked by lawmakers and gun reform activists who support the measure, including Moms Demand Action, the legislation has its detractors.

In May, the American Civil Liberties Union criticized the bill in a letter, saying "replicating the reprehensible Texas model only serves to legitimize and promote it, as evidenced by the copycat measures already enacted in some states, with many more pending around the country."

Last month, Newsom announced $156 million in gun violence prevention grants through the California Violence Intervention and Prevention Grant Program.

Newsom's office and the National Rifle Association did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.