In a big move to strengthen gun control, California Governor Gavin Newsom made a resolute statement by signing three key gun safety bills into law. This step positions California as a trendsetter, leading the way in the often-controversial discussion on gun control across the country.
First, there’s Assembly Bill 28. This new rule was proposed by Jesse Gabriel, an Assemblyman from Encino who was passionate about gun safety. What does this law do? It puts an 11% tax on gun-related sales. This tax could generate around $160 million each year. The good news is that this money will be used wisely. It will be set aside to support gun safety initiatives and services focusing on mental health and behavior.
Next is Senate Bill 452 from state Senator Catherine Blakespear of Encinitas. This is her first law to get passed, and it’s all about a technology called microstamping. By 2028, this rule will require that semiautomatic pistols sold in California have this microstamping tech. So, what’s the big deal about microstamping? Each time a gun fires a bullet, this technology stamps a unique code onto the shell casing. This tiny detail can be a massive help to the police trying to solve gun crimes because it connects bullets to the specific guns that fired them. And by March 2025, the California Department of Justice will check if this technology is ready for widespread use.
During the same event, Senate Bill 2 got the green light. This one comes from Senator Anthony Portantino from Burbank. This law is a direct answer to a 2022 US Supreme Court decision. In simple terms, it makes it stricter for people to get a concealed-carry gun permit. Plus, it clearly states where people can’t carry guns, like schools, hospitals, and worship centers.
However, Newsom took a moment to appreciate the hard work of the lawmakers and activists who helped craft these laws. He expressed that these steps are just the beginning, and there’s much work ahead to ensure gun safety is a top priority.
Senate Bill 2, in particular, is very strict about who can get a gun permit. Senator Portantino believes someone with a history of breaking the law, using guns carelessly, or even making threats online shouldn’t be allowed to carry a weapon. As Portantino stated, “If you’re on social media threatening people, you shouldn’t have a gun.”
Senator Blakespear is especially hopeful about her microstamping law. She highlighted that in 2021, only 40% of gun-related crimes in California were solved. With this new rule, the police could solve more cases, which means fewer illegal guns sold and stronger trust between the community and the police.
But even with these new laws, Governor Newsom knows challenges are ahead. He voiced concerns about certain judges making decisions that might weaken gun control efforts. Specifically, he mentioned a recent decision by a US District Court Judge, Roger Thomas Benitez, who went against a state law about large gun magazines. Newsom is determined to keep pushing for stricter gun control despite these setbacks. “I look forward to doing more in this space,” he said confidently.
