The Alabama House of Representatives has approved legislation that would create an annual Second Amendment Sales Tax Holiday, sending the measure to the Senate for consideration.
House Bill 360, sponsored by Chris Sells (R-Greenville), would establish a tax-free weekend on the last weekend in August each year. During that time, purchases of firearms, ammunition and certain hunting supplies would be exempt from state sales and use tax.
The bill also allows counties and municipalities to opt in, potentially extending additional local tax savings to shoppers.
An announcement from House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter’s office stated the legislation supports law-abiding gun owners while providing meaningful tax relief and encouraging economic activity for retailers across Alabama.
“The Alabama Legislature has a strong record of protecting the Second Amendment, cutting taxes, and helping small businesses turn a dollar, but I believe this is the first piece of legislation we have passed supporting all three of those conservative principles at once,” Ledbetter said. “This legislation is about supporting responsible gun-ownership, and I am hopeful that it will provide meaningful tax relief for Alabama families while also driving economic activity for retailers and outdoor businesses across our state.”
Sells said the bill sends a message about the state’s stance on gun rights.
“I am proud that while other states are constantly working to weaken the rights of law-abiding gun owners, Alabama is sending a clear message that it fully backs the Second Amendment and citizens’ right to defend themselves,” Sells said. “Alabama is a state that believes in every word of the United States Constitution, and the Legislature will always step up to protect the fundamental freedoms of our citizens.”
Lawmakers noted that Alabama has adopted several measures in recent years aimed at expanding gun rights, including a constitutional carry law allowing eligible residents to carry a handgun without a permit and Senate Bill 281, which prohibits payment processors from using firearm-specific merchant category codes.
HB360 now moves to the Alabama Senate.
