MONTGOMERY — Legislation establishing a Second Amendment Sales Tax Holiday passed the Alabama House of Representatives on Tuesday afternoon.
HB 360, sponsored by State Rep. Chris Sells (R-Greenville), creates an annual tax-free weekend held the last weekend in August. During the period, purchases of firearms, ammunition, and eligible hunting supplies will be exempt from state sales and use tax.
The bill also allows counties and municipalities to opt in, enabling additional local tax savings for residents.
"I am proud that while other states are constantly working to weaken the rights of law-abiding gun owners, Alabama is sending a clear message that it fully backs the Second Amendment and citizens' right to defend themselves," said Sells. "Alabama is a state that believes in every word of the United States Constitution, and the Legislature will always step up to protect the fundamental freedoms of our citizens."
Democratic opposition argued that the legislation unnecessarily takes money from Alabama's Education Trust Fund.
"It allows a tax holiday for people who want to purchase guns, who want to purchase ammunition, hunting supplies and different things of that nature," said State Rep. AJ McCampbell (D-Demopolis). "That type of bill is taking money out of the Education Trust Fund. We've already losing money in the Education Trust Fund. We're taking money out for private schools, for kids to go to private schools, from a public fund. And the amount that's in the budget for education is coming down."
"So, why would we want to be giving these types of breaks during a time when we are already losing money?" he asked.
House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter (R-Rainsville) issued full support for the legislation.
"The Alabama Legislature has a strong record of protecting the Second Amendment, cutting taxes, and helping small businesses turn a dollar, but I believe this is the first piece of legislation we have passed supporting all three of those conservative principles at once," said Ledbetter.
"This legislation is about supporting responsible gun-ownership, and I am hopeful that it will provide meaningful tax relief for Alabama families while also driving economic activity for retailers and outdoor businesses across our state," he added.
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