Commiefornia passes new noise pollution tax on firearms

[Suck My Glock]

https://bulletin.accurateshooter.com/20 ... -firearms/

California, which already has the most restrictive gun control laws in the country, is adopting new legislation that could significantly increase the cost of gun ownership. As a purported effort to reduce noise pollution, California will be imposing a “Sonic Tax” on gun owners, based on the tested sound levels of rifles, pistols, and shotguns.

The California State Legislature has passed a new measure, California Senate Bill 1253, which will tax gun owners based on the noise levels of their guns. It is expected that Governor Gavin Newsom will sign this new legislation this week, and it will go into effect on June 1, 2024.

Under SB 1253, all guns must be tested for sound levels each year. Then an annual fee of $1.00 per decibel recorded will be charged for each firearm. That will prove costly — a .22 LR pistol can produce 140 decibels for a $140 annual tax, while a large rifle with muzzle brake can generate up to 185 decibels (see chart below). That would obligate the rifle owner to pay $185 per year. While suppressors would reduce sound levels (and fees), suppressors are illegal in California under Penal Code 33410.

In addition to the actual “sonic tax”, gun owners must pay $35 per test to have their guns noise-tested and certified. All gun owners are required to get a noise level check each year for every gun they own, much like CA residents must get a mandatory smog check for each vehicle they drive.

Sonic Tax Certification and Approval Cards
Under SB 1253, all gun owners must have their firearms tested annually for sound levels at an approved gun range. After sonic verification, with payment of the decibel-based sonic tax, the gun owner will then be issued a Sound Verification Card (aka “Sonic Permit”). This card must then be presented when the individual shoots at any indoor or outdoor gun range.

Penalties for Non-Compliance by Gun Owners and Range Facilities
The new law, Calfornia SB 1253, expands on current state noise restrictions. Under Section 415 of the California Penal Code, it is illegal for any resident to knowingly create loud and unreasonable noises as a means of disturbing another. Those convicted of violating this law face a maximum of 90 days in jail and/or a maximum fine of $400.00.

Under the new law, any gun owner who discharges a non-sonic-permitted firearm will be subject to up to $1000.00 in fines for discharging the gun, even at a shooting range. In addition, if a gun range operator fails to verify that a customer’s guns have been sonic-tested, the range owners can be liable for up to $5000.00 in fines.

[QuietM4]

This kind of bullshit is exactly why April 1st is the WORST DAY IN THE FIREARMS INDUSTRY. Some idiot is going to think this is real.

SB 1253 would prohibit an individual in California from possessing a firearm without a valid Firearm Safety Card.
https://www.nraila.org/articles/2024032 ... -committee