California Becomes First State To Enact A Gun & Ammunition Tax

California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) signed an array of gun control bills into law this month, strengthening rules on carrying a concealed weapon and additional taxation of ammunition and firearms.

The federal government already has a tax on the sale of guns and ammunition, estimated to be 10% to 11%, depending on the weapon. With the AB 28 bill, California’s tax will increase by 11%.

According to Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel, the tax money will aid in preventing gun violence and cost reductions related to the health and criminal justice system, mainly concentrating on treating patients with gun wounds.

The federal tax that is put into place for guns and ammunition mostly aids the hunting and wildlife programs across the country. 

The new law also strengthens rules for carrying a concealed weapon. These new laws required permit holders to be 21 or older, including banning the ability to carry a firearm in public places.

Shortly after the bill was enacted, the Firearms Policy Coalition, a group supporting gun rights, announced it filed a lawsuit against the legislation. 

“SB2 restricts where persons with licenses to carry a concealed weapon may legally exercise their constitutional right to wear, carry, or transport firearms. And it does so in ways that are fundamentally inconsistent with the Second Amendment and the Supreme Court’s decision in Bruen,” said the group in their complaint.

The bill also requires all state firearms to use microstamping technology that will help trace bullets in the event of a shooting, starting in 2028.  

California’s new tax laws will take effect on July 1, 2024.