January 26, 2004

Unjust Ammo Tax Resurfaces in California Assembly

A California bill that would unjustly tax sportsmen to pay for the actions of criminals is again being debated in the state legislature.

Assembly Bill 992, introduced by Assemblyman Mark Ridley-Thomas (D-Los Angeles) would impose an additional sales tax of ten cents on every piece of ammunition sold in the state. The tax would finance a firearm victims’ reimbursement fund to compensate for unpaid medical bills and other financial losses accrued by victims of illegal firearm activity.

Last year, sportsmen’s outcry over the unfair ammunition tax stopped the bill in the Assembly. Now Assemblyman Ridley-Thomas has pulled the bill off the inactive file and is attempting to have it heard on the Assembly floor.

“AB 992 would unjustly tax sportsmen and sport shooters who obey gun regulations and promote safe handling of firearms,” said Tony Celebrezze, director of field services for the U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance. “Making sportsmen pay for problems caused by criminals is intolerable.”

The bill would make the cost for sportsmen’s activities skyrocket, potentially destroying a $1 billion activity in California that also produces $49 million in state taxes.

Take Action! California sportsmen and shooters should contact their Assembly members today. Tell them responsible gun owners should not have to pay additional taxes to compensate for the actions of criminals. Ask them to oppose AB 992. Contact your assembly member at (916) 319-2856. To find your assembly member’s name, use the Legislative Action Center at www.ussportsmen.org.