Mason Introduces Bill to Lower Tax on Firearm Safety Equipment

GURNEE, Ill. – To promote responsible gun use, state Rep. Joyce Mason, D-Gurnee, introduced House Bill 316, legislation that would lower the state sales tax rate imposed on firearm safes and locks from 6.25% to 1%.

“Owning a gun can help residents feel better protected in their homes, but if firearms aren’t stored properly and treated with care, they can actually make households more dangerous,” Mason said. “Unintentional shooting deaths are significantly higher in states where gun safety equipment is used less often, and sadly, the majority of individuals who die in these incidents are children or young adults.”

According to research published by the Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, unintentional firearm fatalities are four times higher in states where gun safety equipment is used infrequently than in states where firearm safety equipment is used more often. The report also found that most people who die from the unintentional discharge of a firearm are under the age of 24.

“Unintentional shooting deaths are preventable, and promoting widespread use of gun safes and locks is a critical part of putting a stop to them,” Mason said. “My House Bill 316 would lead to safer homes and fewer tragic injuries and deaths from improper firearm use. As part of my continued commitment to ending senseless gun violence, I am determined to get this measure passed into law.”

Mason’s House Bill 316 is currently in the House Rules Committee and has not yet been scheduled for a hearing. For more information, please contact Mason’s constituent service office at 847-485-9986 or Info@RepJoyceMason.com.