Georgia lawmakers are pushing legislation that would incentivize gun safety by greenlighting millions of dollars in tax breaks for training classes, safes, and other firearm-related items.
One bill, sponsored by Marietta Republican state Sen. Kay Kirkpatrick and passed by the state Senate on Tuesday, would exempt safes and devices that “temporarily disable firearms when not in use” from state and local sales tax.
“This bill is simply an incentive for lawful gun owners to purchase safe storage devices, including firearm safes and firearm safety devices, such as trigger locks, by exempting them from Georgia sales tax,” Kirkpatrick said.
The bill would cost the state about $1.6 million in revenue and local governments about $1.4 million annually.
“All of us want to protect our children from accidental injuries, including those of us who are lawful gun owners,” she added. “There are so many accidental injuries that could be prevented by the purchase of these devices, and I hope it will save lives.”
Republicans in the state have somewhat softened on the idea that encouraging gun owners to use safes and other safety measures is a way to keep them out of the hands of children.
Another bill sponsored by Augusta Republican state Rep. Mark Newton would create a $300 tax credit for firearm purchases and in-person training that includes safe firearm handling. Newton’s bill, which received a hearing on Tuesday but does not have a date for a vote, would cap the tax credits at $5 million.
In the state House, a proposal that would create a tax credit for buying gun safes or gun safety classes is also making its way through the committee process.
“They are small steps, but I think they are the right steps in the right direction.” state Rep. Sandra Scott said.
Last month, Scott’s cousin, Brandon Harris, was shot and killed at a tax preparation office. The suspect shot two other people in the crime spree before being caught in Cobb County.
Scott has supported gun safety measures in the past but has not been successful.
Last week, Georgia lawmakers voted along party lines to approve a controversial bill that would create a five-day sales tax holiday on all firearms, ammunition, and gun accessories.
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The bill coincides with the beginning of deer hunting season in October. Democrats argued that a tax holiday would only encourage people to buy more guns and called it a political stunt.
Some Republicans said the bill didn’t go far enough and said there ought to be a year-round sales tax holiday on gun purchases.
