Some Democratic state lawmakers in New York are considering a plan to tax ammunition as a way to reduce gun violence. The bill, sponsored by Assemblywoman Pat Fahy (D-Albany), proposes an excise tax that would vary depending on the size of the bullet, ranging from 2 to 5 cents per round. The revenue generated by the tax would go towards funding community-based programs.
Fahy defended the tax, stating that it would not be a significant financial burden on law-abiding gun owners. “So, if you buy 50 rounds, it’ll be just a couple of extra dollars,” she said. “So, it’s not a huge tax, but another disincentive to arming up.”
However, opponents of the bill argue that the tax would unfairly target law-abiding gun owners and would not effectively reduce gun violence. Vincent Catucci, a gun owner and member of the New York State Rifle and Pistol Association, expressed his skepticism about the bill. “It’s not going to help,” he said. “It’s not the law-abiding citizens that are getting in trouble. It’s the people that are stealing this stuff.”
A similar bill was introduced during the 2021-22 legislative session but did not make it out of committee. It remains to be seen whether this new proposal will gain traction in the New York State Legislature.
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