Sacramento, CA – A measure authored by Assemblymember Philip Y. Ting (D – San Francisco) that aims to increase participation in gun buyback programs was approved by the Assembly Public Safety Committee today. The bill, AB 232, would establish a state income tax credit of up to $500 per handgun, and $1000 per assault weapon, for persons who turn in a firearm to a local gun buyback program. The bill also would create a $10,000 corporate income tax credit to entities that donate funding to local law enforcement to pay for buyback programs.
“We know that financial incentives are effective in helping to get dangerous weapons off the streets. A state tax credit is a great way for the state to support local communities that conduct gun buyback programs, and attract more dollars by entities that will help fund these programs,” Ting said.
AB 232 is supported by gun control advocacy organizations, including the Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence, Coalition Against Gun Violence, California Attorneys for Criminal Justice, California Police Chiefs Association, Brady Campaign California Chapter, San Francisco Mayor Edwin Lee, and Los Angles Councilmember Paul Koretz.