New California Law Places Additional Taxes on Guns, Ammunition to Pay for School Security

California Gov. Gavin Newsom has recently signed a new law to add additional taxes to guns and ammunition sales in the state to help pay for school security. That’s according to the Associated Press.

The law will add a 11 percent state tax on guns and ammunition. That’s in addition to the 10 or 11 percent federal tax on both items, depending on the type of gun. California is the only state with a separate tax on guns and ammunition.

Funds from the taxes will pay for security improvements at public schools along with violence prevention programs. The programs will also be targeted toward young people in gangs.

Newsom signed more than two dozen other gun control measures including a law that bans people from carrying guns in 26 places including parks, playgrounds, banks and zoos, unless the owner puts places a sign saying that guns are allowed.

The California Rifle and Pistol Association has already sued to block that law.

About the Author

Brent Dirks is senior editor for Security Today and Campus Security Today magazines.

Featured

  • Brigham Young University Strengthens Campus Security With Genetec Operations Center

    Genetec Inc, a provider of enterprise physical security software, announced that Brigham Young University's (BYU) has optimized its security operations with the Genetec™ Operations Center work management system. Read Now

  • AI-based Risk Mitigation: The Next Advancement in Video Surveillance and Public Safety

    Safety is at the forefront of every organization and covers a gamut of scenarios, not just weapon-fueled lethal threats. It also includes smaller-scale and everyday situations like slipping hazards, fallen persons, unauthorized vehicles, and more. These issues cause disruptions in daily operations and cost companies and facilities money and downtime, so a fully realized security plan must involve actions that facility personnel should take once a hazard of any size occurs. Informing everyone that a hazard exists, where it’s located, and what actions to take is imperative for maintaining personal safety. Read Now

  • Fort Worth ISD Strengthens Event Safety

    The issue of concealed weapons being introduced into school extracurricular activities, including sporting events and graduations, became a growing concern in communities across the nation. According to the K-12 School Shooting Database, there were at least 202 incidents of gunfire on school grounds in 2024 across the United States, resulting in 56 deaths and 147 injuries, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced safety protocols. Read Now

  • From Safety to Strategy: How to Leverage Data Security In Higher Education

    Today’s higher education campuses function much like small cities. Each department works autonomously yet relies on shared resources to operate effectively. Since these departments often work independently, collaboration can be difficult, leading to inefficiencies. Read Now