USCCA

California Attorney Warns Gun Owners About Gavin Newsom's Proposed 28th Amendment: Impact on the Second Amendment and Political Motives

Video Highlights

  • California Governor Gavin Newsom has proposed the 28th Amendment to the Constitution, which aims to introduce stricter regulations on gun ownership.
  • The proposed amendment includes raising the minimum age for firearm acquisition from 18 to 21, implementing universal background checks, imposing waiting periods, and advocating for the elimination of assault weapons.
  • Newsom's proposal is seen as a response to the Supreme Court's decision in New York State Rifle and Pistol Association v. Bruin, which created a new constitutional test for gun control measures.
  • The proposed amendment faces challenges in terms of garnering the necessary support for a constitutional convention, as it requires two-thirds of either the federal House and Senate or state legislatures to vote in favor.
  • Critics argue that Newsom's proposal is politically motivated, potentially aimed at positioning himself for a future presidential run by appealing to deeply blue states.
  • The likelihood of the proposed amendment being ratified is considered minimal, given the current political climate and the increasing adoption of pro-gun ownership laws in several states.
  • Newsom's proposal sheds light on the potential direction of the Democratic Party's stance on gun control in the future.

Video Summary

In recent news, California Governor Gavin Newsom's proposed 28th Amendment to the Constitution has sparked controversy and concern among gun owners. The proposed amendment aims to introduce stricter regulations on gun ownership and has been met with criticism from those who support the Second Amendment. This article will delve into the details of Newsom's proposal, its potential impact on the Second Amendment, the likelihood of its ratification, and the motives behind Newsom's push for this amendment.

The Background

Governor Newsom's proposal comes as a response to a recent Supreme Court decision, New York State Rifle and Pistol Association v. Bruin, which established a new constitutional test for gun control measures. This test potentially renders a significant number of existing gun control statutes unconstitutional. Newsom, who has dedicated much of his political career to implementing gun control measures, is concerned that his efforts are being undermined. Various legal cases in California challenging state gun control laws have been successful following the Bruin decision.

Newsom's Proposed Amendments

While Newsom's proposed 28th Amendment is not a direct repeal of the Second Amendment, its content raises concerns among gun owners. The proposed amendments include raising the minimum age for firearm acquisition from 18 to 21, implementing universal background checks for all firearm transfers, imposing unspecified waiting periods, and advocating for the complete elimination of assault weapons. The term "assault weapons" remains ambiguous, as it lacks a clear definition and could potentially encompass firearms widely used for lawful purposes such as target shooting or hunting.

The Feasibility of the Amendment

To bring about the proposed 28th Amendment, either two-thirds of both the federal House and Senate or two-thirds of state legislatures would need to vote in favor of holding a constitutional convention. However, given the current political climate and the increasing number of states adopting constitutional carry laws, the prospects of achieving the required votes for a convention seem unlikely. Consequently, the proposed amendment is likely to face significant challenges and ultimately fail to gain the necessary support.

Motives behind Newsom's Proposal

Critics argue that Newsom's proposal is driven by political motives rather than a genuine desire to address gun violence. Some speculate that he is positioning himself for a potential presidential run, using his anti-gun stance to appeal to deeply blue states and secure their support. Newsom's push for stricter gun control measures aligns with the direction the Democratic Party seems to be embracing, which could influence the party's future policies. While the ultimate success of Newsom's ambitions remains uncertain, his proposal has garnered media attention, thrusting him into the spotlight.

Conclusion

Governor Gavin Newsom's proposed 28th Amendment to the Constitution, aiming to introduce stricter regulations on gun ownership, has drawn significant attention and concern from gun owners. However, the likelihood of this amendment being ratified is minimal, given the political landscape and the growing number of states adopting pro-gun ownership laws. Critics argue that Newsom's proposal serves political purposes, possibly positioning him for a future presidential run. While the fate of Newsom's proposal remains uncertain, it sheds light on the potential direction of the Democratic Party's stance on gun control in the coming years.