Illinois Valley Times

Illinois lawmakers proposed legislation that would require gun owners in the state to pay a 1% tax on ammunition.

The proposal was added to the General Assembly Committee list March 23 by Rep. Sonya Harper (D-Chicago). The bill would direct the accumulated tax money to a Trauma Response Fund meant to help public school districts pay for a new state-mandated program to prepare for mass trauma events.

"We oppose this, and all types of ammunition taxes," Illinois State Rifle Association (ISRA) Executive Director Richard A. Pearson said, "We believe these taxes target law-abiding firearm owners unjustly. The ISRA intends to oppose this tax."

Pearson said that he disagrees with the proposed legislation at it undermines Illinois resident's constitutional rights.

"The fact is there are those who want to attack legal firearm owners because they do not believe citizens should have the right to own firearms," Pearson said.

According to Pearson, such legislation is designed to make owning a gun more of a burden.

"Things like ammunition taxes and other proposed laws try to make people not want to own firearms because of cost, regulation, and simply be making firearm ownership as difficult as possible," Pearson said.

While the bill would affect private citizens and businesses, law enforcement agencies purchasing ammunition for their police forces would be exempt from the additional tax.

The legislation reportedly raises questions on whether the bill's jurisdiction would apply to online purchases.

The rifle association is also currently one of two gun rights groups that have joined four Illinoisans in a lawsuit against the Illinois State Police. The four individuals in the lawsuit allege that the state police deprived them of their right to bear arms and right to due process after waiting months for their state-issued concealed carry licenses.