MAYBE THE EIGHTH TIME WILL BE THE CHARM

By Bob Walsh

 

                  

 

There have been several attempts over the last few years to GREATLY increase the tax on guns and ammunition in the formerly great state of California.  Another one is moving forward.

The anti-gunners, who are a large majority in the legislature, are now asserting that it is "fair" that the "gun industry" should pay a "modest amount of it's record profits to help mitigate the extreme harm that is done by it's product."

The proposed excise tax would be 11% on guns, gun parts and ammunition if Assemblyman Jesse Gabriel gets his way.  The pimps for the new law are pointing out that it is less than the 15% tax on legal marijuana.  The tax would be levied on manufacturers, dealers and vendors.  The bill would, if enacted into law, create the Gun Violence Prevention, Healing and Recovery Fund in the office of the State Treasurer which would distribute the money to "violence prevention initiatives."  It would kick in January 2024.  

It should be noted that there is already a federal excise tax of 10% on firearms and ammunition with the loot going to wildlife conservation.  

The Assembly Public Safety Committee has approved the bill.  The most recent failed attempt to do essentially the same thing was six months ago.