GIFFORDS Applauds California Senate for Passing Landmark Fund for Gun Violence Prevention Programs
Washington DC —GIFFORDS, the gun violence prevention organization led by former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, applauded the California Senate for passing AB 28, landmark legislation which would have the gun industry pay its fair share via an 11% excise tax on firearms corporations. The policy would generate $160 million annually to fund gun violence intervention and prevention programs, mirroring a federal tax on the gun industry that has been in place for more than a century and is used to fund wildlife conservation efforts.
Former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords:
“California just made history—again. The state continues to take on the gun lobby and pave the way for effective methods to reduce gun violence. The Gun Violence Prevention and School Safety Act is a top priority in the gun violence prevention movement. I’m grateful to Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel for not backing down and to State Senators Anthony Portantino, Melissa Hurtado, and Steve Glazer who helped get this bill closer to becoming law. Progress wouldn’t be possible without courageous leaders on our side.”
Mike McLively, Policy Director at GIFFORDS Center for Violence Intervention:
“California is one step closer to becoming the first state in the nation to implement an excise tax on the gun industry to fund gun violence prevention programs. This is a tried-and-true method of addressing public health epidemics. Tobacco industry taxes to fund smoking prevention programs have helped achieve remarkable results in California, and by passing AB 28, the California Senate is addressing the public health crisis of today—gun violence. This law has been years in the making, but we never gave up, and now it will help to save countless lives in the years to come. The Gun Violence Prevention and School Safety Act will help support critical community violence intervention programs, like CalVIP. I am grateful to our partners in the California legislature, especially Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel, for taking action that will save countless lives.”
AB 28 has strong support from a broad coalition of groups that includes the California Medical Association, the American College of Surgeons, and city leaders across the state. Once the Assembly approves amendments made in the Senate, the bill will then need to be signed by Governor Gavin Newsom.
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