WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Representative Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) today introduced the Freedom from Unfair Gun Taxes Act. This bill would prohibit states from implementing excise taxes on firearms and ammunition to fund gun control programs.
“Democrats’ latest attack on the Second Amendment looks like an excessive excise tax to fund gun control initiatives,” said Risch. “The Freedom from Unfair Gun Taxes Act ensures states do not place a significant financial burden on law-abiding gun owners to advance their anti-Second Amendment agenda.”
“For years, extreme state policies and governors, including from my home state, have targeted the fundamental Second Amendment rights of our fellow Americans. California’s new imposition of a ‘sin tax’ on firearms and ammunition equates a core constitutional freedom with gambling or drug use. Enough is enough. That’s why Sen. Risch and I are joining forces to introduce this key legislation and stop any state tax that seeks to raise the price of self-defense out of reach for any American,” said Issa.
As of July 1, 2024, California implemented a new 10-11% excise tax on firearms and ammunition to discourage the purchase of firearms and fund gun control programs. These added fees now double the tax on gun and ammunition purchases. Colorado, Vermont, New York, Massachusetts, Washington, and New York have proposed similar taxes.
Risch and Issa are joined by U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) and Representative Richard Hudson (R-N.C.) in introducing the legislation.
The Freedom from Unfair Gun Taxes Act has received support from the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), and National Rifle Association (NRA).
“The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) is thankful to see the Freedom from Unfair Gun Taxes Act introduced by Senator Risch and other members of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus. CSF is unwavering in our support for the Pittman-Robertson Act and the associated manufacturer-level excise taxes that directly benefit sportsmen and women and our nation’s wildlife; however, we will continue to be opposed to states taxing an individual’s right to purchase a firearm and ammunition,” said CSF President and CEO Jeff Crane.
“State efforts to levy excise taxes on firearms and ammunition at the point of sale are placing significant financial barriers to the lawful exercise of Constitutionally-protected rights. More cravenly, these taxes are being used to fund special-interest efforts to further infringe on those rights. These excise taxes don’t reduce criminal misuse of firearms. The Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Statistics own studies show 90 percent of felons convicted of using a firearm in their crimes illegally obtained those firearms. The firearm industry supports the federal Pittman-Robertson excise tax on firearms and ammunition that is solely administered for wildlife conservation and recreational shooting range development because these funds benefit not just future generations of sportsmen and women but also contribute to safe and responsible firearm ownership. NSSF is grateful to Senator Jim Risch for his leadership to protect law-abiding citizens across the country from these misguided and punitive measures,” said Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF Senior Vice President and General Counsel.
“States like California and others want to levy excise taxes on firearms and ammunition with the clear intent to punish law-abiding gun owners and dismantle the Second Amendment. Senator Risch’s bill would prevent these blatant and egregious attacks on the rights of Americans and the National Rifle Association is proud to support this legislation,” said Randy Kozuch, Executive Director of the NRA Institute for Legislative Action.
