Although the legislature has been relatively quiet, there have been several sportsmen-related bills that have been introduced. We are currently carefully monitoring those bills; as of this morning, nothing has been scheduled for a hearing. Below is a status update on the bills we have previously reported as a concern.
House Bill 1386 is waiting for its next hearing in the House Committee on Finance. HB 1386 imposes an 11% “sin tax” on the purchase of firearms, firearm parts and ammunition. The tax will be used to maintain or enhance programs that aim to prevent suicide, reduce firearm-related domestic violence and support victim services. These are important programs, but they should receive general funds as it is a statewide issue. Sportsmen should not bear the burden of paying for the misuse of firearms.
House Bill 1163 has been referred to the House Committee on Appropriations and waiting to be scheduled for a hearing. HB 1163 requires a permit-to-purchase and enhances requirements relating to the purchase, transfer and possession of firearms.
House Bill 1132 is under Rules 2 review, which means the Rules Committee is deciding whether to schedule the bill for its second reading on the House floor. HB 1132 limits the purchase of a firearm to one in a 30-day period. HB 1132 does not stop there. The bill also limits the purchase on the amount of ammunition that can be purchased in a 30-day period.
Senate Bill 5099 passed the Senate Committee on Law & Justice and has been referred to House Ways & Means. SB 5099 establishes additional requirements for licensed firearm dealers (FFLs). Last year, additional restrictions were imposed, but because these have not taken effect, there is no data verifying how effective those laws were in reducing firearm crime. Yet, the extremists already want to impose more restrictions on FFLs, adding cost and red tape for law-abiding citizens wishing to exercise a fundamental right.
Last week, we were preparing to alert you on HB 1504, but it was removed from the hearing schedule and the bill sponsor publicly acknowledged that the bill will not advance this session. This means the bill sponsor will continue to work on it and try again next year.
HB 1504 would have required sportsmen who possess or purchase a firearm to show proof that they are “financially responsible” to own a firearm by purchasing and maintaining a $25,000 firearm liability policy or a firearm liability bond. Failure to do so could result in civil penalties. A firearm owner can choose to “self-insure,” which requires a deposit of $25,000 in cash or securities, for each firearm owned into the Department of Licensing Firearm Financial Responsibility Account. To add further insult to injury, any interest earned will go to the Department of Commerce for the purpose of funding the Office of Firearm Safety and Violence Prevention.
The Sportsmen’s Alliance guarantees hunting, fishing and trapping for the American sportsman now and forever. We’re there when sportsmen need us most. We are the only organization specifically created to protect the individual hunter, angler and trapper – no matter the threat. We will never compromise when it comes to defending our way of life in the courts, in the legislatures, in the public square and at the ballot box. We make this promise to the American sportsman: we will never give up and never give in while proudly securing our future against those seeking to destroy our values, beliefs, and traditions. Stay connected to Sportsmen’s Alliance: Online, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
