San Jose’s Latest Gun Control Move Baffling

California is the last state you’d think would have preemption, and it doesn’t. That means local governments can create their own gun control laws. It’s stupid, especially considering how any law they create would only be a misdemeanor, which has never been shown to deter crime in the least way, but it is what it is.

San Jose passed their own gun control not that long ago, and we’ve talked a lot about it. It requires gun owners to have insurance and enacts a fee for anyone who wants to own a gun, which is basically a poll tax.

But now they’re making some moves on gun control which, frankly, has left me a bit baffled.

San Jose leaders are tightening local gun buying laws to pair with California firearms regulations and through recommendations from the city’s watchdog group.

A 10-day waiting period for buying handguns in San Jose will extend to all firearms, and residents under 18 will no longer be able to use the written permission of their parents or guardian to purchase guns after the City Council voted Tuesday on the policy change. Officials across San Jose have taken a more active role in gun control policy after the VTA mass shooting in 2021 left nine dead and a community calling for change. But critics say the city isn’t working fast enough.

The City Auditor’s Office first recommended councilmembers make the policy change in a firearms audit report two years ago.

“The city is currently reviewing the proposed amendment to our policy to ensure consistency with state law regulations governing firearms. The updated policy is intended to align with state requirements while providing clarity and uniformity for all stakeholders,” city spokesperson Kari Chinn told San José Spotlight. “We will share more information as the process progresses.”

Margaret Petros, executive director of Mothers Against Murder, said city officials took a long time to implement the much-needed policy update, though she’s happy to see it done.

“I congratulate San Jose for getting consistent with California law, otherwise there would be conflicting information and confusion,” she told San José Spotlight. “We can’t afford to make mistakes when it comes to deadly weapons.”

Except there’s really not all that much conflicting information. Gun dealers know what the law says and which apply to what. When in doubt, they follow the most restrictive measures and call it a day.

There’s not really any real confusion unless you’re on the outside looking in. The fact that Petros and people like her think there’s some great misunderstanding that needs to be addressed shows just how little they understand the situation.

Sam Paredes, executive director of Gun Owners of California, apparently called this move a marketing scheme, and he pretty much nailed it. This is just a cosmetic difference that doesn’t do anything except allow lawmakers to flex their anti-gun credentials.

It’s not even like when a state mimics federal law. At least those laws allow state and local law enforcement to go after violators and prosecute them in state court. As it is, San Jose law enforcement can enforce California state laws without a problem.

But then again, this is San Jose. What else do you expect?