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San Jose, California, has taken a groundbreaking step by introducing new regulations and obligations for gun ownership. The city council of San Jose has unanimously approved measures aimed at curbing gun violence within the city and holding gun owners more responsible for any violence involving their firearms. The proposals were widely supported, facing opposition primarily from gun lobbyists citing concerns over Second Amendment rights.
Following a final review next month, the approved measures will enforce two new requirements for all gun owners in San Jose. Firstly, gun owners must pay a $25 annual fee to retain ownership of their firearms. The funds collected from these fees will be channeled to a nonprofit organization focused on researching, reducing, and preventing gun violence, as well as assisting victims of such incidents. Secondly, gun owners are mandated to have gun liability insurance to cover any damages caused by their weapons. Failure to comply with these regulations may result in gun confiscation and additional fines.
San Jose, California, poised to be the first U.S. city to implement an ordinance requiring most gun owners to pay a fee and carry liability insurance. https://t.co/kBizJii4tg
— NBC News (@NBCNews) January 26, 2022
San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo expressed gratitude to fellow council members for their dedication to reducing gun violence and its impact on the community. He emphasized that these measures would establish a legally compliant approach to mitigating the unnecessary harm caused by firearms.
Local advocates of gun rights have indicated their intention to pursue legal action if the measures are enacted. Mayor Liccardo mentioned that the council has legal counsel prepared in anticipation of potential legal challenges from these advocates.
