Video Highlights
- House Resolution 5315, sponsored by Democratic House Representative Don Beyer, proposes a 1,000% excise tax on the sale of all semi-automatic firearms.
- The tax would range between $5,000 and $20,000 per firearm.
- The likelihood of this bill passing is slim due to the current Republican majority in the House and the need for all Democrats to hold firm.
- Gavin Newsom's 28th Amendment, which aims to eviscerate the Second Amendment, would require a constitutional convention supported by two-thirds of the states.
- The likelihood of this amendment being added to the Constitution is remote, as it could open the door to other amendments, such as constitutional carry, abortion, and gay marriage.
Video Summary
In a recent video from Washington Gun Law TV, President William Kirk addresses two issues that have been brought up by viewers: House Resolution 5315 and Gavin Newsom's 28th Amendment. He acknowledges that the likelihood of either of these two things coming to fruition is slim to none, but he decides to address them for the sake of clarity.
House Resolution 5315, sponsored by Democratic House Representative Don Beyer of Virginia, proposes a 1,000% excise tax on the sale of all semi-automatic firearms, specifically what they call assault weapons. This definition aligns with House Resolution 1808. Kirk points out that this tax would range from $5,000 to $20,000, effectively pricing a majority of the American public out of the market. He attributes this proposal to the Democrats' goal of civilian disarmament rather than gun control. Representative Beyer himself stated in the Washington Post that the intention is to increase the price to limit accessibility, but not outright ban these firearms. Kirk acknowledges that the bill has been proposed before but hasn't discussed the latest reiteration because the chances of it passing are slim. With a Republican majority in the House and a close split in the Senate, it would require significant support from both parties, which is unlikely in an election year.
Moving on to Gavin Newsom's 28th Amendment, also known as the Right to Safety Amendment, Kirk points out that the right to safety is already protected under the Second Amendment, which guarantees the right of self-defense. Newsom's amendment seeks to eviscerate the Second Amendment and requires a constitutional convention with the support of two-thirds of the states, or 34 states. Kirk emphasizes that the likelihood of this happening is remote, as it would open the door to other Constitutional Amendments being proposed, such as constitutional carry, abortion, and gay marriage. While some states are close to the necessary number to make constitutional carry happen, Kirk clarifies that Washington Gun Law TV will not touch on those controversial topics. He concludes that the likelihood of House Resolution 5315 becoming legislation or Newsom's 28th Amendment being added to the Constitution is as unlikely as him running for attorney general.
Kirk reassures viewers that these ideas are incredibly remote and will likely not be discussed again on Washington Gun Law TV. He encourages viewers to reach out to the channel with any other questions regarding the remaining Second Amendment rights. He reminds them of the importance of being a lawful and responsible gun owner, which includes knowing the law and how it applies to each individual situation.
In conclusion, House Resolution 5315 and Gavin Newsom's 28th Amendment are highly unlikely to become reality. While both proposals have garnered attention and discussion, the political landscape and the slim chances of garnering support make it improbable for them to pass. As such, it is crucial for gun owners to remain informed about existing laws and exercise responsible ownership.