California, already the state with the most restrictive gun laws in the nation, is adopting a new law that could increase the cost of owning a gun. California will impose a “Sonic Tax”, based on the sound levels of shotguns, pistols and rifles. This is a purported attempt to reduce noise pollution. California Senate Bill 1253 is a new measure passed by the California State Legislature that will tax gun owners according to their guns’ noise levels. This new legislation is expected to be signed by Governor Gavin Newsom this week. It will take effect on June 1, 2020. SB 1253 requires that all guns be tested annually for sound levels. A fee of $1.00 for every decibel measured will be charged annually. This will be expensive — a.22 LR can produce 140 decibels with a $140 tax, whereas a large rifle can generate up 185 decibels. This would require the rifle owner to pay an additional $185 annually. Although suppressors reduce sound levels and fees, they are illegal in California according to Penal Code 33410. Gun owners are required to pay $35 for each test in order to have their guns certified and noise-tested. This is in addition to the “sonic tax”. Gun owners must have their guns noise-tested and certified every year, just as California residents are required to do for each vehicle. Sonic Tax Approval and Certification CardsSB 1253 requires that all gun owners have their firearms tested for sound levels annually at an approved range. After the sonic test, and payment of the decibel based sonic fee, the gun owner is issued a Sound Verification Card. This card must be presented by the individual when they shoot at any indoor or outdoors gun range. Penalties for non-compliance by gun owners and range facilities
Calfornia SB1253 is a new law that expands the current state noise regulations. Section 415 of California’s Penal Code makes it illegal for residents to intentionally create loud and unreasonable sounds in order to disturb others. The maximum penalty for violating this law is 90 days in prison and/or a fine of $400.00. Gun owners who discharge a non-sonic permitted firearm, even on a shooting range, will be subject to fines of up to $1000.00. If a gun range operator does not verify that the guns of a customer have been sonic tested, they can be fined up to $5000.
