Arming yourself may soon become more expensive in the nation’s most populous state.
California legislators have passed increased firearms and ammunition taxes, which could make guns much more expensive than in other states.
According to Fox News, the law, which was passed in the California Senate on Thursday, would impose a high 11% tax on all firearm and ammo sales.
The tax would levy a state tax in California equal to the highest existing federal tax on firearms.
The tax proceeds will be used to fund school safety programs as well as California’s gun violence prevention efforts.
“Don’t let politics stand in the way of saving the lives of our children and providing mental health care in our school districts,” state Sen. Anthony Portantino, a Democrat, said of the idea.
“Fear should not be on the brow of a parent when they send their kids to school.”
NEW: California lawmakers approve new taxes on guns, ammo. pic.twitter.com/zablm8luJH
— LWNC (@LwncNews) September 8, 2023
The legislation’s language critiques the increased revenue generated by weapons trade for dealers and gun sellers following the coronavirus outbreak.
“The firearm industry has also enjoyed record growth and profits for years,” the law reads.
The proposal is unlikely to be signed into law by progressive Gov. Gavin Newsom.
Newsom has suggested a 28th Amendment to the Constitution that would prohibit the use of so-called assault weapons and impose a waiting time for gun sales.
According to Fox, a representative for the governor stated that he would “evaluate the bill on its merits.”
“A spokesperson for Newsom said the governor would ‘evaluate the bill on its merits.'” https://t.co/AZKotN25s5
— Firearms Policy Coalition (@gunpolicy) September 8, 2023
According to California KTLA-TV, Newsom has until October 14 to veto or approve the law.
If signed into law, the plan, according to critics, will face stringent judicial hurdles.
That’s not really true. The NFA included a huge tax on the guns it covered.
Also, the Northern Mariana Islands passed a $1000 excise tax on handguns, which was ruled unconstitutional in Murphy v. Guerrero (2016). We’ll see if California’s 11% survives court challenges, but… https://t.co/52r93gcC6b
— Kostas Moros (@MorosKostas) September 7, 2023
According to Fox, Chuck Michel, president of the California Rifle and Pistol Association, stated that his organization intended to challenge the ban in court.
“It’s a poll tax. It’s a tax on exercising a constitutional right.”
“We’re going to have to file a lawsuit to challenge it.”
The high state tax would set the left-wing state apart even among states with severe gun prohibitions.
