Proposed Handgun Tax Would Fund More Gun Buyback Programs
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — An effort by several Southern California lawmakers was underway Thursday to develop more gun buyback programs statewide.
KNX 1070's Ron Kilgore reports Congresswoman Linda Sanchez was joined by Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca and local lawmakers to announce legislation to reduce gun violence and assist law enforcement agencies with developing gun buyback programs.
Officials push for more gun buyback programs
If passed, The Firearm Safety and Buyback Grant Act of 2013 (H.R. 793) would establish a grant program available to state, tribal, and local units of government and law enforcement agencies to carry out anti-violence campaigns, gun safety campaigns, and firearms buyback programs.
Sanchez said such programs - which she said are "proven to be very successful" - would be funded by revenues from a tax on concealable handguns.
A gun buyback event in Los Angeles back in December netted over 2,000 firearms, including 901 handguns, 698 rifles, 363 shotguns, and 75 assault weapons.
Sheriff Baca said the grants will ultimately lead to getting more guns off the street.
"We do get a number of assault weapons as a part of this, which are illegal to own, but we take them back under a 'no questions asked' program," said Baca.
Click here (PDF) to read the entire text of The Firearm Safety and Buyback Grant Act of 2013.