SACRAMENTO, CA – Assemblymember Marc Levine (D – Marin County) released the following statement after his AB 1223, the Gun Violence Prevention, Healing and Recovery Act was not approved by the California State Assembly.
On its first floor vote, AB 1223 received 50 of the required 54 votes needed for 2/3 passage.
“California is in the midst of a gun violence epidemic that will only end when our leaders have the courage to do what is right and necessary to end it,” said Assemblymember Levine. “Gun violence will not end on its own. We must act. Today’s vote came closer than many expected and I am confident that there is a path to move AB 1223 forward this legislative year.”
AB 1223 would impose an excise tax upon retailers, not consumers for the sale of firearms and ammunition and establishes the Gun Violence Prevention, Healing, and Recovery Fund to fund gun violence prevention programs across the state.
The bill failed in a 46-20 vote with 13 no votes of record which includes Assemblymembers Jim Frazier and Tim Grayson – both who represent parts of Contra Costa County. Ultimately, the bill failed to move forward by 5-votes.
According to the Bill, the Gun Violence Prevention, Healing, and Recovery Act, would, commencing July 1, 2022, impose an excise tax in the amount of 10% of the sales price of a handgun and 11% of the sales price of a long gun, rifle, firearm precursor part, and ammunition, as specified. The tax would be collected by the state pursuant to the Fee Collection Procedures Law. The bill would require that the revenues collected be deposited in the General Fund. Gun Violence Prevention, Healing, and Recovery Fund, which the bill would establish in the State Treasury.
