As the National Rifle Association (NRA) prepares for its annual meeting in Atlanta this weekend, the organization is locked in a battle over what they are calling a gun control “sin tax” on Capitol Hill and state houses around the country.
Last week, Senator Jim Risch, R-ID, and Representatives Darrell Issa, R-CA, and Richard Hudson, R-NC, reintroduced the Freedom from Unfair Gun Taxes Act. This legislation would prohibit states from levying excise taxes on firearms, ammunition, and components.
According to reports, California has already implemented an 11 percent excise tax on firearms and ammunition to fund gun control initiatives and to discourage lawful firearm ownership. Colorado has also recently implemented a 6.5 percent excise tax on firearms, firearm precursor parts, and ammunition. And Maryland, Massachusetts, New Mexico, New York, Vermont, and Washington are also considering similar proposals.
“There is a growing effort among states to levy excise taxes to discourage firearm ownership. California and Colorado have already implemented a gun tax to fund their gun control efforts and dismantle the Second Amendment,” said John Commerford, Executive Director of the NRA Institute for Legislative Action. “This legislation by Senator Risch and Representatives Issa and Hudson would prevent these blatant and egregious attacks on the rights of Americans, and the National Rifle Association is proud to support this legislation.”
Former Congressman Bob Barr from Georgia serves as President of the NRA. He was not available for comment.
“Blue states that implement an excessive excise tax to fund gun control initiatives are exploiting the Second Amendment,” said Risch. “The Freedom from Unfair Gun Taxes Act ensures states do not place a significant financial burden on law-abiding gun owners to advance their anti-Second Amendment agenda.”
Many had hoped President Donald Trump would be a keynote speaker at this weekend’s annual meeting in Atlanta, but national media have reported that the NRA confirmed that Trump would not be attending the event this year. Reports also said the NRA has canceled the Leadership Forum, the part of the conference where Trump and other politicians usually address NRA members. Reports cited scheduling conflicts as the reason for Trump’s absence. This would be the first time since 2015, that Trump won’t be speaking at the NRA’s Annual Meeting.
The 2025 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits will take place at the Georgia World Congress Center today through Sunday. The Exhibit Hall is open all three days and will showcase over 14 acres of the latest guns and gear from the most popular companies in the industry. The annual meeting will feature seminars, workshops, and the annual Meeting of Members.
