The California legislature proposed a bill requiring gun owners to pay an annual tax and register each gun they own.
The bill, SB 1160, was introduced by Senator Anthony J. Portantino (D – Burbank) and would require the Department of Justice to register all firearms in the state annually.
An annual fee would be deposited into a special fund to administer and enforce the firearm registry.
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The bill would require the department to set up and maintain an annual firearms registration system and make registration information available to other law enforcement agencies.
The bill also requires reasonable efforts to inform firearms dealers, owners, and the public about registration requirements.
“SB 1160 will give the state better data and help us understand how many firearms are in private hands and who owns them,” stated Senator Portantino in a statement. “Currently, we only have rough estimates on how many firearms are in California. This important step toward registration will also increase accountability and responsible gun ownership as we collectively endeavor to increase public safety.”
Registration will not be deemed as evidence that the firearm is lawfully permitted or that the registrant is the lawful owner of the firearm. The measure will prohibit the possession of an unregistered firearm, a violation that would be punishable as an infraction.
“This statue, which requires gun owners to register each firearm annually, is an important tool to remind all citizens of the civic responsibility that comes with owning a firearm. Indeed, the historic roots for this statue trace back to colonial America and serve as a reminder that with ownership comes responsibility,” stated Attorney Brian Hennigan and Loyola Law School Professor Laurie Levenson, who both suggested the bill idea to the Senator.
Failure to register firearms annually and pay the tax would carry a fine up to $250.
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