California Doubles Taxes on Gun Sales to Fund Violence Intervention Programs
California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed multiple state gun regulation bills, including one that will double the taxes on gun and ammunition sales. The revenue from these increased taxes will be used to fund violence intervention programs and public school security measures. Governor Newsom has made gun regulation a key focus of his administration, especially in light of the increasing frequency of mass shootings in the United States.
Gun rights groups have already filed a lawsuit against Senate Bill 2 (SB2), and it is expected that they will challenge the other new laws as well. These groups argue that the concealed carry law would harm business owners and infringe upon their Second Amendment rights. The legal battles over these laws underscore the urgency of addressing gun violence in the state.
Mass shootings have become a pressing issue in California, with over 500 people killed in such incidents this year alone. This marks the highest number of mass shooting deaths through the end of August in at least ten years. The recent Cook’s Corner mass shooting in California, which resulted in three deaths and six injuries, has further fueled concerns.
According to the Public Policy Institute of California, residents of the state are facing a mass shooting every six days on average. While California ranks around the middle in terms of mass shooting rates nationwide, Governor Newsom is determined to implement stricter gun regulations at both the state and federal levels. In June, he proposed an amendment to the U.S. Constitution that would establish a mandatory waiting period for gun purchases, implement universal background checks, ban assault rifles across the country, and require gun buyers to be at least 21 years old.
Governor Newsom’s proactive stance on gun control is not limited to California. While he has denied any plans to run for president in 2024, his efforts in this area demonstrate his desire to have a lasting impact on a national scale. In November, Newsom will engage in a debate on Fox News with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, a Republican presidential candidate.
The signing of these gun regulation bills is a significant step towards addressing the ongoing issue of gun violence. However, the legal challenges and pushback from gun rights groups highlight the complex nature of this debate. Governor Newsom acknowledges that while progress is being made, more needs to be done to ensure public safety and prevent mass shootings.
