Newsom signs firearm restrictions, tax hikes as Florida-California contrast deepens

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed two bills into law Tuesday, prohibiting people from carrying firearms in most public places as well as tax hikes on guns and ammunition.

For people to be permitted to carry firearms in designated places, owners would have to explicitly allow carrying with a sign.

Under federal guidelines, taxes on guns and ammunition sales are already at around 10% or 11%, depending on the type of gun. Newsom’s legislation added another 11% on top of the federal standard.

California is the only state with increased tax measures on guns and ammunition, according to gun control advocacy group Brady.

Revenue generated from the state tax will pay for security payments at public schools and a variety of gun violence prevention programs. Placed for over 100 years, federal tax dollars already pay for California’s wildlife education and hunter education programs.

Reflected on its interpretation of the Second Amendment, California’s standard comes in stark contrast with Florida and Gov. Ron DeSantis.

In April, DeSantis signed into law a gun measure that allows residents to conceal a firearm without needing a permit from the government. Holders without a license are still obliged to follow state law which prohibits firearms in places like schools, sporting events and detention centers.

With its passage, Florida became the 26th state to allow permitless carry, also known as “Constitutional Carry.” The law went into effect on July 1.

DeSantis and Newsom’s differentiating positions on gun control policy come as both governors are scheduled to debate in what has been called a “Red State vs Blue State” showdown.

Hosted by Fox News’ Sean Hannity, the debate will take place in Georgia on Nov. 30.