It also mandates universal background checks, institutes a waiting period for all gun purchases, and introduces a ban on assault weapons – the “weapons of war our founding fathers never foresaw,” as Newsom stated.
Moreover, the proposed amendment asserts that Congress, states, and local governments retain their right to enforce further gun control measures.
A Herculean Task: Amending the Constitution
Amending the Constitution isn’t a straightforward task. It requires a two-thirds majority vote in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, or a constitutional convention called for by two-thirds of the state legislatures.
Ratification then requires the approval of three-fourths of the state legislatures or conventions in each state.
Given that Republicans control the House and Democrats have a slim majority in the Senate, the possibility of this amendment passing in Congress seems slim. However, Newsom is pushing for an Article V Convention of states to convene and draft his proposed amendment.
Restriction of Gun Rights: The Battle Lines Are Drawn
Gun rights groups were swift in their condemnation of Newsom’s proposal, viewing it as a direct attack on the Second Amendment.
