California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) signed a law into effect on Tuesday that would raise taxes on gun and ammunition sales.
Assembly Bill 28 (AB 28), signed by Newsom will double the taxes on guns and ammunition, and in turn, that money will go towards paying for more security at schools and helping to support violence prevention programs, according to a press release from Newsom.
Under AB 28, an 11% tax will be tacked on to guns and ammunition, in addition to the federal taxes already imposed on guns and taxes, at either 10 or 11 percent.
“While radical judges continue to strip away our ability to keep people safe, California will keep fighting – because gun safety laws work,” Newsom said. “The data proves they save lives: California’s gun death rate is 43% lower than the rest of the nation. These new laws will make our communities and families safer.”
AB 28 is described as being “estimated to generate $160 million annually to fund school safety and violence prevention programs” which includes initiatives that would remove firearms from domestic violence abusers and help to prevent school shootings.
Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA), after signing increased taxes on guns, recalls California's gun regulation history, pointing out that Ronald Reagan signed a 1967 bill limiting open carry:
— The Recount (@therecount) September 26, 2023
“Many Republicans may want to look him up before they show up to the Reagan Library.” pic.twitter.com/046KnN9mEp
Additionally, Newsom signed Senate Bill 2 (SB 2), which increases the minimum age to purchase a firearm from 18 to 21, and limits where citizens can legally carry their firearm.
Another bill, Assembly Bill 732 (AB 732) improves the process of trying to remove a firearm from someone who is prohibited from owning one because of a criminal conviction.
State Sen. Anthony Portantino (D-Calif.) clarified during the press conference that residents would be allowed to carry firearms on public sidewalks, in certain businesses if it was allowed, and in certain homes if it was allowed.
“Do you need a gun to go to your daughter’s AYSO (American Youth Soccer Organization) soccer game? I would say you need a water bottle and orange slices,” Portantino said. “If you go to Dodgers Stadium, I would say bring a mitt so your kid can protect themselves from an errant ball not from an errant bullet. Right? When you go to the mall do you need a weapon to go shopping or do you need a credit card?”
Both Portantino and Newsom explained that the laws were written with Bruen “in mind.” On June 23, 2022, the Supreme Court ruled in New York State Rifle and Pistol Association Inc. v. Bruen with a 6-3 decision to strike down New York’s gun control law which prohibited people from being allowed to have a concealed carry permit unless having “proper cause.”
The California Rifle and Pistol Association labeled the new laws as “unconstitutional” and revealed they have already filed a “preemptive lawsuit.”
