To round out the second week of the legislative session, State Rep. Ernie Yarbrough (R-Trinity) introduced HB277, the "2nd Amendment Sales Tax Holiday" Act, which would create a tax break from Memorial Day to the July Fourth holiday exempting all firearms, ammunition and hunting accessories from sales taxes.
Businesses will not be required to participate; the bill offers the ability to opt in if desired. But smaller retailers, in particular, could see a bump in sales that helps increase their revenues.
"The majority of Alabamians cherish their Second Amendment rights, and creating the holiday between the two major holidays where Americans honor those who have died in service to our country and where the foundation of our county was established will "promote a spirit of patriotism," Yarbrough said.
"To annually remind ourselves of all of this, as we lead up to the 4th of July where we celebrate that the common American, armed with faith in God, a love of liberty, and the means of self-defense, forever changed the course of history. We want to call that greatness out in us and our posterity!" he added.
Yarbrough also said it would "send a message that Alabamians will protect themselves and criminals aren't welcome here — illegal aliens or not.
SEE: State Rep. Yarbrough's Laken Riley Act among immigration bills coming in 2025
Mississippi has offered a 2nd Amendment sales tax holiday since 2013. Louisiana had a sales tax holiday in place but suspended it in 2018. In 2023, the legislature chose to re-enact it. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has floated a Second Amendment sales tax holiday in his state's 2025-26 budget, which is subject to legislative review and approval.
House Speaker Scott Stadthagen (R-Hartselle), State Reps. Jamie Kiel (R-Russellville), Kerry "Bubba" Underwood (R-Tuscumbia), Ben Harrison (R-Cartwright) and 18 others co-sponsored the bill. If it passes out of committee and reaches the State House floor, Yarbrough feels it has a "good chance" of passage.
Jennifer Oliver O'Connell, As the Girl Turns, is an investigative journalist, author, opinion analyst, and contributor to 1819 News, Redstate, and other publications. Jennifer writes on Politics and Pop Culture, with occasional detours into Reinvention, Yoga, and Food. You can read more about Jennifer's world at her As the Girl Turns website. You can also follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and Telegram.
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