Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

Steven from USCCA did a great job in the video above breaking down a new bill introduced to the California legislature, dubbed SB 1160.

Anti-gun State Sen. Anthony J. Portantino is the man behind it. It’s about as draconian as one can imagine, which is par for the course in Commiefornia.

SB 1160 requires all guns in California to be registered annually. If you’re a gun owner, this means re-registering your firearm every year with the state. Fail to do so, and you’re looking at a $1,000 fine per unregistered firearm!

But here’s the kicker: the federal government, under 18 USC Code Section 926, actually prohibits gun registration. So, this proposed bill is skating on thin constitutional ice.

As mentioned, this registration isn’t just a one-off thing; it’s an ongoing, constantly updated database of gun ownership.

Portantino is clear: this is gun registration, despite his attempts to sidestep federal prohibitions. The implications? At the very least a massive administrative burden and, as Steve from USCCA laid out, a step towards gun confiscation.

“SB 1160 will give the state better data and help us understand how many firearms are in private hands and who owns them,” stated Senator Portantino in a press release dated Feb. 14.

“Currently, we only have rough estimates on how many firearms are in California. This important step toward registration will also increase accountability and responsible gun ownership as we collectively endeavor to increase public safety,” he continued.

Think about the practical side for a moment. For someone with a sizable gun collection, this annual registration could become a real headache, not to mention the fees, which are yet to be determined by the California Department of Justice. And, of course, the government exempts itself from this process.

Interestingly, law enforcement officers aren’t completely off the hook. If they own personal firearms, they too would need to comply with this yearly ritual.

But, will this bill actually become law? In California, it probably will, according to Steve. Gov. Newsom is likely to sign off on it, but expect immediate legal challenges. The bill is slated to take effect in July 2025, so there’s a bit of a waiting game ahead.

Portantino, despite his extensive work in the film industry rather than in firearms expertise, is pushing forward with this legislation.

His track record with gun laws hasn’t been the most successful, often crafting bills that are ripe for legal challenges. Yet, his persistence in the realm of gun control is not to be underestimated.

So, whether you’re in California or not, SB 1160 is a bill to watch. It’s indicative of the kinds of legislation that might start popping up elsewhere in the country, especially in Blue states.

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