Federal Bill Proposes Prohibiting The Taxation of Guns and Ammunition
In a move to counteract state-imposed excise taxes on firearms and ammunition, U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-ID) and U.S. Representatives Darrell Issa (R-CA-48) and Richard Hudson (R-NC-9) have reintroduced the Freedom from Unfair Gun Taxes Act. This legislation aims to prohibit states from levying such taxes on guns and ammunition etc.
State excise taxes on firearms that slap significant financial burden on law-abiding gun owners must end. Proud to work with @RepDarrellIssa and @RepRichHudson to introduce the Freedom from Unfair Gun Taxes Act to protect our Second Amendment rights.https://t.co/qH1WapRlPs
— Jim Risch (@SenatorRisch) March 28, 2025
As someone who lives in Colorado, where a 6.5% excise tax just went into effect yesterday, this bill sounds like it is very much needed. California has also previously implemented an 11% excise tax on firearms and ammunition to fund gun control initiatives. Other states, including Maryland, Massachusetts, New Mexico, New York, Vermont, and Washington, are considering comparable measures.
Senator Risch criticized these state-level taxes, stating, “Blue states that implement an excessive excise tax to fund gun control initiatives are exploiting the Second Amendment.” He emphasized that the Freedom from Unfair Gun Taxes Act seeks to prevent states from placing significant financial burdens on law-abiding gun owners to advance anti-Second Amendment agendas.
I did some research but I came up empty trying to find any other example of a tax levied on the exercise of a constitutional right. These taxes cannot be legal.
The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) has expressed strong support for the legislation. Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF Senior Vice President and General Counsel, remarked, “States that are hostile to the firearm industry and Second Amendment freedoms have abused their ability to levy taxes on the sale of firearms and ammunition as a ‘sin tax.' Exercising a right… is not a sin.” He further compared these taxes to unconstitutional poll taxes previously struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court.
The Freedom from Unfair Gun Taxes Act has garnered support from various organizations, including the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation and the National Rifle Association (NRA). These groups argue that the bill is essential to protect citizens' constitutional rights and prevent financial barriers to lawful firearm ownership.
As the bill progresses through Congress, it is poised to ignite debates over the balance between state taxation powers and the protection of constitutional rights. Advocates contend that the legislation is necessary to prevent undue financial burdens on gun owners, while opponents may view it as an encroachment on states' rights to impose taxes.
ABSOLUTE TRUTH!
Senator Risch, Representative Issa, Representative Hudson,
ALL of these individuals in these state legislatures need to be prosecuted under 18 USC section 241 Conspiracy Against Rights! This LAW calls for 10 years in prison for exactly what they are doing. and section 242 of the same 18 USC calls for 2 years in prison for the deprivation of Rights! I have had it with legislators thinking they can hide after conspiring against our Constitutionally Protected, God Given RIGHTS!
TITLE 18, U.S.C., SECTION 241
• If two or more persons conspire to injure, oppress, threaten, or intimidate any person in any State, Territory, Commonwealth, Possession, or District in the free exercise or enjoyment of any right or privilege secured to him by the Constitution or laws of the United States, or because of his having so exercised the same;… They shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both; and if death results from the acts committed in violation of this section or if such acts include kidnapping or an attempt to kidnap, aggravated sexual abuse or an attempt to commit aggravated sexual abuse, or an attempt to kill, they shall be fined under this title or imprisoned for any term of years or for life, or both, or may be sentenced to death.
TITLE 18, U.S.C., SECTION 242
Whoever, under color of any law, statute, ordinance, regulation, or custom, willfully subjects any person in any State, Territory, Commonwealth, Possession, or District to the deprivation of any rights, privileges, or immunities secured or protected by the Constitution or laws of the United States, … shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than one year, or both; and if bodily injury results from the acts committed in violation of this section or if such acts include the use, attempted use, or threatened use of a dangerous weapon, explosives, or fire, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both; and if death results from the acts committed in violation of this section or if such acts include kidnapping or an attempt to kidnap, aggravated sexual abuse, or an attempt to commit aggravated sexual abuse, or an attempt to kill, shall be fined under this title, or imprisoned for any term of years or for life, or both, or may be sentenced to death.
About time! I hope this new law is passed.
Full support here.
Make these States pay for violating citizens rights.
Not only remove any and all tax on the gun and ammo, but also on all accessories. Including all the ridiculous taxes of hundreds of dollars on a $200 accessories. We need to just get rid of the ATF all together.