Gavin Newsom approves bill raising gun taxes for school safety programs.
California Governor Signs Bill to Fund School Safety Programs with Gun and Ammunition Tax
California Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, has signed a bill that introduces an 11% excise tax on guns and ammunition in the state. The revenue generated from this tax will be used to fund programs aimed at enhancing school safety. Newsom commended the lawmakers who successfully passed this and other gun-related bills, emphasizing California’s role as a leader in gun rights reform.
California’s Role in Gun Rights Reform
“California has led the modern gun rights movement. Back in 1967 … California recognizing its role and responsibility to do more and be better really accelerated those efforts. In the late 80s, 1989 establishing the first assault weapons ban in the nation after the devastation of a shooting that shocked the nation in Stockton, California,” Newsom said at a press conference.
Among the bills signed by Governor Newsom is A.B. 28, which imposes an additional 11% tax on guns and ammunition. This tax is in addition to the standard 10% or 11% tax already in place. The revenue generated, estimated to be $160 million annually, will be allocated towards various programs aimed at preventing school shootings, strengthening firearm investigations, reducing retaliatory violence, and removing guns from domestic abusers.
Newsom’s decision to sign this bill comes shortly after a federal judge overturned the state’s ban on standard-sized ammunition magazines, a move that Newsom strongly criticized.
“While radical judges continue to strip away our ability to keep people safe, California will keep fighting — because gun safety laws work. 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,” Newsom stated.
Despite California’s stringent gun laws, a report from the Public Policy Institute of California highlights that gun violence remains a significant issue in the state.
Governor Newsom has been actively involved in shaping gun policy, both within his state and on a national level. He previously proposed a 28th amendment to the U.S. Constitution, advocating for measures such as raising the minimum age to purchase a gun to 21, implementing universal background checks, enforcing a reasonable waiting period for gun purchases, and banning rifles designed for mass casualties.
While Newsom’s actions on gun laws have fueled speculation about a potential presidential run, he has consistently stated that he will not be running in 2024 and is instead supporting President Joe Biden’s reelection campaign.
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How does California’s approach to gun rights reform and Assembly Bill 1223 align with Governor Newsom’s commitment to school safety and protecting citizens
Said Governor Newsom during the signing ceremony. “And we have continued to lead in this space because we recognize we have to do more to keep our communities and our schools safe.”
The bill, known as Assembly Bill 1223, was introduced by Assemblyman Marc Levine, a Democrat from San Rafael. It proposes an 11% excise tax on all firearms and ammunition sold in California. The revenue generated from this tax will be allocated towards funding various school safety programs, including training for teachers and school staff, mental health services for students, and the implementation of security measures such as surveillance cameras and metal detectors.
The passage of this bill demonstrates California’s commitment to prioritizing the safety of its students and ensuring that schools are prepared to respond effectively to any emergency situation. By funding these programs through a tax on guns and ammunition, the state aims to address the root causes of school violence while also reducing the availability of firearms.
However, the bill has faced criticism from gun rights advocates who argue that it unfairly targets law-abiding gun owners and penalizes them for exercising their constitutional rights. They believe that the focus should be on enforcing existing laws and improving access to mental health services, rather than imposing additional taxes.
Governor Newsom and other supporters of the bill maintain that it is necessary to take bold action to address the ongoing issue of gun violence in schools. They argue that the tax will act as a deterrent, discouraging individuals from purchasing firearms and ammunition. Furthermore, they emphasize that the revenue generated from the tax will be used to invest in proactive measures to prevent violence, rather than merely react to incidents after they occur.
California has long been a trailblazer in gun rights reform. The state has enacted some of the strictest gun control laws in the nation, including background checks for all firearm sales, a ban on assault weapons, and red flag laws that allow for the temporary removal of firearms from individuals deemed a danger to themselves or others.
Governor Newsom’s signing of Assembly Bill 1223 reaffirms California’s commitment to protecting its citizens and ensuring the safety of its schools. By funding school safety programs through a tax on guns and ammunition, the state aims to create a safer environment for students, teachers, and staff. While the bill may face legal challenges from gun rights advocates, its implementation marks a significant step towards combating gun violence and enhancing school safety in California.
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