A new bill introduced in both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives aims to block states from placing special taxes on guns, ammunition, and related components. The Freedom from Unfair Gun Taxes Act, sponsored by Senator Jim Risch (R-ID) and Representatives Darrell Issa (R-CA-48) and Richard Hudson (R-NC-9), is designed to prevent what supporters call an unconstitutional attack on the Second Amendment through financial penalties. The NRA Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA) reported the bill numbers as S.1169 in the Senate and H.R.2442 in the House.
Fighting Back Against “Sin Taxes” on Gun Owners
The legislation responds directly to states like California and Colorado, which have implemented new excise taxes on firearms and ammunition. California’s new 11% tax, enacted in 2023, is framed as a way to fund public safety programs – but critics say it’s really a thinly veiled attempt to discourage lawful gun ownership. Colorado followed with a 6.5% excise tax on firearms, ammo, and precursor parts. According to the NRA-ILA, other states including Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, Vermont, New Mexico, and Washington are considering similar proposals.
Senator Risch: States Are Exploiting the Second Amendment
Senator Risch was direct in his criticism. As quoted by the NRA-ILA, he stated: “Blue states that implement an excessive excise tax to fund gun control initiatives are exploiting the Second Amendment.” He added that the bill will “ensure states do not place a significant financial burden on law-abiding gun owners to advance their anti-Second Amendment agenda.” His language made it clear that this isn’t just about taxes – it’s about preserving a constitutional right from backdoor restrictions.
Representative Issa: California’s Gun Tax Is a Direct Attack
Representative Darrell Issa, who represents a district in California, did not hold back in his remarks. In both the NRA-ILA article and the 2A News Now video hosted by Troy, Issa referred to California’s 11% tax as a “sin tax,” equating it to the kind of penalty placed on tobacco or alcohol. “This outrageous and unfair burden on law-abiding citizens is why we’re working to stop this,” Issa said. “It’s about putting the price of self-defense out of reach for Americans.” His position reflects growing frustration with progressive states using financial tools to regulate gun ownership without passing outright bans.
Representative Hudson: A Scheme to Price You Out
Representative Richard Hudson echoed that same concern. According to both sources, Hudson described the taxes as part of a deliberate strategy by “far-left politicians” to price Americans out of their Second Amendment rights. He called the tax scheme “unconstitutional,” asserting that it seeks to “price you out of your right to keep and bear arms.” In Hudson’s view, these policies are not about safety – they are about control.
Troy of 2A News Now Breaks It Down Simply
In a straightforward and passionate video breakdown, Troy of 2A News Now told viewers that this legislation couldn’t come soon enough. “The real reason they want to add extra taxes to your gun and ammo purchases is to discourage people from owning firearms – plain and simple,” he said. Troy emphasized that states are using tax policy as a weapon, and this bill is a way to defend the Second Amendment from economic manipulation. His audience, many of whom live in states affected by these policies, reacted strongly in support.
What the Bill Would Actually Do
If passed, the Freedom from Unfair Gun Taxes Act would prohibit states from levying additional excise taxes on firearms, ammunition, and related components like precursor parts. It would not touch standard state sales tax, but it would block specialized taxes that single out gun-related purchases. The law is designed to preempt attempts by states to raise the cost of gun ownership as a form of deterrence. The NRA-ILA strongly supports the bill, calling these state-level taxes “egregious attacks” on gun rights.
Why This Matters: Backdoor Gun Control Is on the Rise
Gun rights advocates warn that financial tactics like excise taxes are part of a broader effort to restrict the Second Amendment through indirect means. When lawmakers can’t pass sweeping gun bans due to constitutional limitations, they turn to tactics that make exercising gun rights inconvenient, expensive, or socially stigmatized. As Troy put it: “They say it’s for safety, but what they really want is to make it harder for you to even think about owning a gun.” The taxes hit hardest in low-income communities, which are already at a disadvantage when it comes to self-defense.
The NRA-ILA Sounds the Alarm
John Commerford, Executive Director of the NRA-ILA, issued a firm warning about the future of these tax efforts. “There is a growing effort among states to levy excise taxes to discourage firearm ownership,” he said. Commerford praised the legislation by Risch, Issa, and Hudson, and said the NRA-ILA is committed to fighting what he called a coordinated campaign to dismantle the Second Amendment. He noted that this bill is just one part of a larger national effort to resist unconstitutional gun control strategies.
A Fight Worth Having
Let’s be honest – this isn’t just a budget issue. This is a values issue. If you believe in the Second Amendment, then policies that make legal ownership harder, more expensive, and more bureaucratic should raise red flags. These taxes don’t target criminals; they target citizens who follow the law. And the fact that federal agencies haven’t acted to stop it only underscores how necessary this bill is. The right to self-defense shouldn’t depend on your ZIP code – or your bank account.
Financial Barriers Are Still Barriers
In some ways, a tax is more effective than a ban. A ban sparks legal challenges and public outrage. A tax flies under the radar. It’s less visible, more “reasonable” sounding, and harder to fight. But the effect is the same: fewer people can afford to exercise a constitutional right. If you put a 20% tax on voting booths, there’d be protests in the streets. But when it comes to gun rights, too many people shrug it off – until it’s too late.
The Road Ahead: Will the Bill Pass?
The fate of the Freedom from Unfair Gun Taxes Act will depend on political will. With growing support from organizations like the NRA and a wave of public frustration in pro-2A communities, there’s real momentum. But the bill faces a divided Congress and strong opposition from lawmakers in tax-heavy states. As Troy from 2A News Now pointed out, “I hope this bill actually passes and is signed into law by President Trump.” That hope now rests on the efforts of gun owners, advocacy groups, and concerned citizens to keep the pressure on.
A Line in the Sand for Gun Rights
At a time when Second Amendment rights face increasing pressure, the Freedom from Unfair Gun Taxes Act offers a bold line in the sand. It says that the ability to defend yourself should not depend on a state’s political agenda or revenue needs. Whether it’s California’s 11% tax or Colorado’s 6.5%, the message from lawmakers like Risch, Issa, and Hudson is clear: the Constitution doesn’t come with a surcharge. And if states keep trying to find creative ways to undermine your rights, this bill may be just the start of a larger pushback.
For more information, check out the NRA-ILA article here, and the 2A News Now video here.
A former park ranger and wildlife conservationist, Lisa’s passion for survival started with her deep connection to nature. Raised on a small farm in northern Wisconsin, she learned how to grow her own food, raise livestock, and live off the land. Lisa is our dedicated Second Amendment news writer and also focuses on homesteading, natural remedies, and survival strategies. Lisa aims to help others live more sustainably and prepare for the unexpected.