With firearm-related homicides increasing across Sacramento, local politicians have proposed four new regulations to minimize gun violence.
These proposals range from mandating an age restriction for those entering a gun dealership to a yearly gun harm reduction fee. The goal is to change the conversation about gun behavior and safe ownership in the city, said Councilwoman Lisa Kaplan.
The proposals would seek to mandate the following:
That no individual under 18 years old can enter a gun dealership.
The prohibition of firearms being sold from home residences and home-based businesses.
Requiring gun owners to get and maintain gun liability insurance that would cover losses and damages from accidental firearm use.
A yearly gun harm reduction fee, where proceeds would be awarded to a nonprofit to be used for gun violence prevention and education.
Kaplan, who is leading these efforts, said that the city is limited on what it can enact because of the Supreme Court and the Second Amendment, but these suggested changes are a first step in gun violence prevention.
“We know that gun violence is a uniquely American crisis, and so we have to change the conversation,” Kaplan said. “We have to change the culture shift towards gun responsibility and gun violence.”
“These are not going to solve everything,” she added. “But it’s a conversation that we need to have, and it’s a step we need to have as a city.”
Sacramento has experienced an increase in homicides this year despite crime being down overall, according to a news release from the city. This year, there have been 34 homicides which has surpassed the 27 incidents during the first 9 months of 2023. Last year, there were a total of 38 homicides.
In September, there were five people killed in Sacramento and three wounded as a result of gun violence in five different shootings. All incidents happened within 26 hours. The youngest victim was 12-year-old Santino Contreras.
These shootings occurred across Sacramento in South Natomas, North Sacramento, midtown , East Sacramento in the College/Glen neighborhood, and South Sacramento.
One of the victims was Colby Tevis , who was 22. Tevis was shot and killed while celebrating his sister’s 26th birthday.
“This is the hardest thing of my entire life,” Shelly Tevis, his mother, told The Bee in September during his candlelight vigil. “My heart is 100% broken.”
What does each proposal seek to change?
The gun liability and gun harm reduction fee are inspired by ordinances the City of San Jose put forth in 2022. Having passed a year later, both proposals were found to be legal and not in violation of the Second Amendment, the city’s news release states. Proceeds from the gun reduction fee will go to education, covering topics like storing guns safely and childproof triggers.
“State and national transformation often begins at the local level, with cities taking the lead,” said Mayor Darrell Steinberg in a statement. “Not only can we potentially save lives within our own communities, but we can set a powerful example for the nation just like San Jose, creating a ripple effect of positive change.”
Regarding age restrictions, these regulations seek to protect the safety of young people and maintain responsible gun behavior for adults, according to the city.
“We have to start somewhere. It may only be an inch, but to do nothing is unacceptable.” Kaplan said.
These proposals will head to the city’s law and legislation committee for discussion in 30 to 45 days, Kaplan said.
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