California: The California Legislature passed Assembly Bill 28, despite fervent opposition from the entire conservation community, and it is expected that Governor Gavin Newsome, a rabid anti-gun advocate, will sign the bill. AB 28 imposes an additional eleven percent tax on ammunition and firearms sales to law abiding hunters and shooters in order to raise an estimated 160 million dollars earmarked to pay for gun violence prevention programs. With the new tax rate, the effective tax rate on firearms and ammunition will now be over thirty percent in California. SCI issued several action alerts to its members during this process and thanks them for their continued support in contacting policy makers.
Louisiana: The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission (LWFC) approved a resolution to request Louisiana’s Congressional Delegation to compel the U.S. Department of Education to reverse its decision to restrict federal funding to schools implementing hunter education and Archery in Louisiana Schools (ALAS) due to language in the 2022 Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. The action came during the LWFC September meeting Thursday (Sept. 7) in Baton Rouge.
Washington: Western State and Local Liaison Chris Tymeson travelled to Ridgefield, Washington late in the week of September 7 to attend the Washington and Oregon bi-state joint caucus meeting hosted by the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation. The inaugural event was attended by approximately 20 legislators, staff from both the Washington Department of Fisheries and Wildlife and the Oregon Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, and several conservation organizations, including Safari Club International. SCI is always First for Hunters! Pictured L-R: Representative Gina Mosbrucker (R), 14th District, and SCI Western State and Local Liaison, Chris Tymeson.
