California sportsmen face unjust ammo tax (5/14/2003)

Legislation has again been introduced in California that would tax law-abiding sportsmen to pay medical expenses for victims of illegal firearm activity.

California 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 after January 1, 2004. 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. It awaits action in the Assembly Health Committee.

The U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance and California Waterfowl Association believe that AB 992 would unjustly tax sportsmen and sport shooters who obey gun regulations and promote safe handling of firearms. Making sportsmen pay for problems caused by criminals is intolerable.

In the past, California, Indiana and New York have tried to pass similar legislation to place taxes on guns and/or ammunition. Indiana intended to use a portion of the tax to provide for violent crime victims.

Take Action! California sportsmen, tell your Assembly member that you and other responsible gun owners should not have to pay additional taxes to compensate for the actions of criminals. Tell them to oppose AB 992. Contact your Assembly member at (916) 319-2856.

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