Mason Proposes Tax Savings for Gun Owners that Practice Safe Storage of Firearms

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – To help prevent gun thefts and accidental shootings, state Rep. Joyce Mason, D-Gurnee, introduced legislation to reduce the tax on gun safes and locks intended to keep firearms out of the wrong hands.

“The cost of a safe firearm storage device should not prevent any gun-owning family from practicing safe habits,” said Mason. “By making safes, locks and other safety devices more affordable, my legislation brings awareness to responsible gun ownership and will help prevent accidental deaths that occur from children playing with a parent’s unsecured, loaded gun.”

Mason’s House Bill 3016 would reduce the tax on gun safes and locks designed to secure firearms from 6.25 to 1 percent. The measure is intended to help responsible gun owners control who has access to their firearms, and prevent guns from being used by burglars and anyone else who may be in their home, including young children.

“This legislation is a significant effort to help reduce the risks associated with owning a gun in a home,” said Mason. “I will continue to work on measures to make safety practices more commonplace among gun owners, and reduce the threat that firearms pose to local families.”