This bill, named the "No User Fees for Gun Owners Act," prevents state and local governments from imposing special taxes, fees, or insurance mandates on firearm and ammunition ownership or commerce, while allowing standard sales taxes.
Ronny Jackson
Representative
TX-13
The "No User Fees for Gun Owners Act" prohibits state and local governments from imposing taxes, fees, or insurance requirements on firearm or ammunition ownership and commerce. Regular sales taxes are permitted if applied at the same rate as other goods and services. This bill aims to protect gun owners and businesses from discriminatory financial burdens.
Federal Bill Blocks States from Taxing Gun Owners, Purchases: 'No User Fees for Gun Owners Act' Limits Local Control
The 'No User Fees for Gun Owners Act' flat-out stops state and local governments from slapping extra taxes or fees on guns and ammo. Think of it like this: if you buy a TV, you pay the regular sales tax. This bill makes sure guns and ammo are treated the same—no special taxes just for them. (SEC. 2, SEC.3)
Cash and Control
This bill is all about limiting how states and cities can use money to regulate guns. They can't make gun owners get special liability insurance, and they can't charge extra taxes or fees when someone buys, sells, or even just owns a firearm or ammunition. (SEC. 2, SEC.3)
Real-World Rollout
Imagine a state wants to discourage high-capacity magazine sales by adding a hefty tax. Under this bill, that's a no-go. Or, picture a city trying to fund gun violence prevention programs with a fee on firearm transfers – also banned. A gun shop owner won't have to worry about new, targeted taxes driving up his costs, but a mayor might lose a way to fund safety initiatives. A regular person buying a hunting rifle or a handgun for self-defense won't face extra charges beyond the usual sales tax, but their local government could have less money for things like mental health services or violence intervention.
The Fine Print and Potential Hitches
While the bill says 'generally applicable sales taxes' are okay, that phrase could be a sticking point. What if a state raises its general sales tax, but also offers rebates for everything except guns? This bill might face legal challenges in situations like that. Also, by taking away potential funding sources, the bill could make it harder for cities and states to deal with gun violence and its aftermath. It essentially ties the hands of local governments, preventing them from using financial tools to address a major public safety issue. The definitions of "firearm," "pistol," and "revolver" are taken from existing law, specifically part III of subchapter D of chapter 32, so those definitions are already set. (SEC. 3)