This afternoon, AB 28 was passed by the California Senate and, after a perfunctory concurrence by the Assembly, will soon head to Governor Newsom's desk for signature into law. The bill implements a new 11% excise tax on purchases of firearms, firearm parts, and ammunition.
"If the Governor signs this bill, it will set off yet another losing fight for the state, frittering away taxpayer funds to fight what will ultimately be a losing battle," remarked CRPA President & General Counsel Chuck Michel. "And, of course, this will do NOTHING to protect innocent people from criminals. It will simply disarm the lawful."
While there was some hope to defeat the bill given the "no tax" pledges made (and now broken) by some members, in the end lawmakers' thirst for disarming lawful citizens overwhelmed their oath to uphold the constitution.
"It is unconstitutional to place a tax on an enumerated right and the Second Amendment is most certainly an enumerated right," noted CRPA Legislative Director Rick Travis.
As noted, the Assembly will first need to concur in the amendments made to the bill by the Senate, which they are expected to do with out controversy. At that point, the bill would head to Newsom, who will have 30 days to sign it, which is also widely expected.
Stay tuned to CRPA's emails, website, and social feeds for updates on what is sure to be an intense legal battle once this bill becomes law. If you are so inclined, please support CRPA's Litigation Victory Fund to help support legal challenges on all the issues impacting your 2A rights here in California.
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