Yesterday, the Assembly passed Assembly Bill 311, to further restrict “precursor” parts from being sold at gun shows by licensed vendors. It now goes to the Senate for further consideration.
Assembly Bill 311 prohibits the display or sale of any "precursor firearm parts" at gun shows on the Del Mar Fairgrounds of the 22nd District Agricultural Association. The bill previously would have applied to gun shows on all state property, but it was amended in committee to just the Del Mar Fairgrounds. So-called “precursor” parts are not regulated as firearms under federal law; however, they are regulated under state law and are limited to being transferred by licensed vendors in California. Such restrictions continue to cut off access to law-abiding individuals who are looking to acquire firearm parts in accordance with existing law.
In addition, Assembly Bill 1223 failed to meet its two-year deadline. It would have placed an excise tax of 10% on the sales price of a handgun, and would have placed an 11% excise tax on the sales price of all long guns, rifles, firearm precursor parts and ammunition. These taxes were to be collected from California retailers and placed in a newly created fund for appropriation by the state legislature. It is unjust to saddle law-abiding gun owners with special taxes. Such a measure would have made it more expensive for law-abiding citizens to exercise a constitutional right, and discouraged them from practicing to be safe and proficient with their firearms for purposes such as self-defense, competition, and hunting.
Please stay tuned to www.nraila.org and your email inbox for further updates.