Three important bills awaiting consideration by the California legislature before session concludes.
The California Legislature Considers High-Profile Bills
The California legislature is currently reviewing several noteworthy bills before the session concludes in five weeks. These bills cover a range of topics, including gun and ammunition taxation, chemical bans in food products, and measures to combat light pollution.
Firearms and Ammunition Excise Tax
One of the proposed bills aims to make significant changes to California’s gun laws by implementing an 11% excise tax on the retail sale of firearms, firearm parts, and ammunition. Assembly Bill 28, sponsored by Democratic Assemblyman Jesse Gabriel, seeks to generate $160 million annually to fund various gun violence prevention programs. If passed, these policies would take effect on July 1, 2024.
“It’s shameful that gun manufacturers are profiting while gun violence remains the leading cause of death for children in the United States,” Gabriel stated. “This bill will provide critical funding for school safety measures and proven violence prevention programs, ultimately saving lives and protecting communities across California.”
Opponents of the legislation, such as the National Rifle Association (NRA), argue that it unfairly targets law-abiding gun owners and infringes upon their constitutional rights. The NRA has vowed to challenge the bill if it becomes law.
Food Product Safety
Another bill sponsored by Assemblyman Jesse Gabriel seeks to prohibit the use of certain chemicals in food products. Assembly Bill 418 aims to prevent the manufacturing, distribution, and sale of items containing red dye No. 3, titanium dioxide, brominated vegetable oil potassium bromate, or propylparaben. These chemicals have been linked to various health concerns, including cancer and developmental problems.
Gabriel emphasized the need for the United States to catch up with other nations in banning these additives, stating, “We love our children just as much as they do in Europe, and it’s not too much to ask food and beverage manufacturers to switch to safer alternative ingredients.”
Manufacturers of titanium dioxide have opposed the bill, arguing that it politicizes the safety of additives and undermines the existing regulatory process. They believe that the bill could have far-reaching consequences for consumers and industry.
Light Pollution Control
Assembly Bill 38, reintroduced by Democratic Assemblyman Alex Lee, aims to address the negative impacts of artificial light at night (ALAN) in California. The legislation seeks to establish standards for outdoor lighting fixtures on state-owned, managed, or leased properties. Excessive artificial light disrupts the circadian rhythm of animals, insects, plants, and humans, posing risks to ecosystems and migratory birds.
Lee highlighted the importance of protecting migrating birds, stating, “Every day in the U.S., an estimated 1 million birds die from collisions with buildings due to ALAN.”
Notably, a previous version of the light pollution bill was vetoed by Governor Gavin Newsom due to concerns about costs and potential health and safety issues. However, Lee remains committed to promoting safety, conserving energy, and reducing the carbon footprint through this legislation.
As the California legislature continues its deliberations, the fate of these high-profile bills hangs in the balance. Stay tuned for updates on these important legislative developments.
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