Newsom signs new gun-control laws, lawsuit filed by groups.
California Becomes First State to Impose 11% Tax on Gun Purchases
In a groundbreaking move, California has implemented an 11% tax on gun purchases and introduced stricter regulations for concealed carry permits. Governor Gavin Newsom signed a multitude of new gun-control measures on September 26, solidifying the state’s commitment to firearm safety.
Gun-owner groups wasted no time in challenging the new law, filing lawsuits against the state for enacting Senate Bill (SB) 2. This legislation imposes stricter regulations on California’s concealed carry weapons permits, sparking controversy among some gun owners.
Despite facing opposition, Governor Newsom has signed a total of 23 new gun-control measures proposed by Democratic legislators this session. In fact, his call for a national constitutional convention to enshrine his gun policies was also approved in August.
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“It’s great what we’re doing, but it may not be enough,” expressed Governor Newsom during a signing ceremony and press conference in Sacramento. He emphasized the need for a shift in the approach to gun safety in the country, urging louder advocacy for the cause.
One of the bills signed on Tuesday was Assembly Bill (AB) 28, which imposes an 11% state tax on firearm and ammunition purchases. This tax is expected to generate $160 million annually to fund school safety and violence prevention programs, including initiatives to prevent school shootings and remove guns from domestic abusers.
Assemblyman Jesse Gabriel, the author of AB 28, stated, “It’s shameful that gun manufacturers are reaping record profits while gun violence remains the leading cause of death for kids in the United States. AB 28 will fund critical violence prevention and school safety programs that will save lives and protect communities across the State of California.”
Another significant bill signed by Governor Newsom is Senate Bill 452, authored by Sen. Catherine Blakespear. Starting in 2028, this bill will require all semi-automatic pistols sold in California to use a special firing pin that stamps a unique identifier on cartridges, aiding law enforcement in identifying firearms used in crimes.
The gun safety group Moms Demand Action celebrated the signing of these bills, highlighting California’s pioneering efforts in establishing a tax on gun dealers to fund gun violence prevention and school safety programs. They also commended the strengthening of public carry laws and the full implementation of the state’s microstamping law.
However, not everyone is in favor of these new laws. Michael Schwartz, founder of the Orange County Gun Owners political action committee, expressed opposition to all the recently signed legislation. He criticized Governor Newsom for prioritizing political agendas over public safety.
Joining forces, the Orange County Gun Owners, Firearms Policy Coalition, San Diego County Gun Owners, and California Gun Rights Foundation filed a lawsuit against the state in U.S. District Court in Santa Ana. This lawsuit challenges the restrictions imposed by SB 2, particularly the broad definition of “sensitive places” where carrying firearms is prohibited.
California is not the only state facing legal action in response to gun-control bills. The 2021 Bruen decision by the U.S. Supreme Court, which declared a New York law requiring a license to carry a concealed weapon in public as unconstitutional, has prompted lawmakers to revise concealed carry weapon regulations and expand the list of prohibited public spaces for firearms.
How do gun owners in California feel about the stricter regulations on concealed carry weapons permits imposed by SB 2?
Violence continues to plague our communities. This tax will help ensure that they contribute their fair share to the efforts of preventing gun-related tragedies.”
However, opponents of the tax argue that it unfairly burdens law-abiding gun owners and infringes upon their Second Amendment rights. Gun-owner groups have expressed concerns that the funds generated from the tax will not actually be used for their intended purpose but diverted for other uses. They believe that this tax is just another example of the government’s attempt to restrict gun ownership rather than focusing on addressing the root causes of gun violence.
In addition to the tax on gun purchases, Governor Newsom signed SB 2 into law, which imposes stricter regulations on the issuance of concealed carry weapons permits. These new regulations include requiring applicants to undergo additional training and demonstrate “good cause” for carrying a concealed firearm. Gun owners argue that this law makes it even more difficult for law-abiding citizens to exercise their constitutional right to bear arms for self-defense.
Lawsuits have been filed against the state challenging SB 2, with opponents claiming that the law violates the Second Amendment and unfairly targets law-abiding citizens. These legal challenges will likely play out in the courts in the coming months, potentially impacting the implementation of the new regulations.
California’s commitment to firearm safety has been met with both praise and criticism. Supporters argue that these new measures are necessary to prevent gun violence and protect public safety. They believe that stricter regulations and taxes will deter individuals with malicious intent from obtaining firearms and make it more difficult for them to carry out violent acts.
On the other hand, opponents view these measures as an infringement on their constitutional rights. They argue that law-abiding citizens should not be penalized for the actions of a few individuals. Instead, they advocate for a focus on mental health services, addressing socioeconomic issues, and enforcing existing gun laws to prevent gun violence.
The issue of gun control is a deeply divisive and complex one, with passionate arguments on both sides. While California takes a bold stance on implementing these new regulations and taxes, the impact and effectiveness of these measures will likely be debated for years to come. As the state prepares to navigate the legal challenges and potential consequences of these new laws, the nation watches, awaiting the outcome and possible implications for gun control efforts nationwide.
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