Louisiana and Mississippi are two states that have implemented a tax-free holiday for gun purchases as a courtesy to gun owners. On Friday, State Senator Bart Hester of Cave Springs introduced the same bill for Arkansas, known as the “Second Amendment Appreciation Weekend” Bill, which would give those living in the state a tax-free weekend to stock up on firearms.
“If we start to become a pro gun state where it encourages manufactures to come to Arkansas and creates jobs it’s a really great thing,” Hester said.
The weekend bill would allow people to purchase guns during the second weekend in September without having to pay any sales tax.
This is the first time it’s been proposed in Arkansas, and we hope to have some luck. I’m in a position, as most Arkansans are, that the more people that legally own guns the safer we all are. And if this puts somebody in a position to be able to purchase a gun for protection for their home, or personal protection..then I think it’ll actually make people safer in Arkansas,” Hester continued.
The second weekend in September was carefully chosen. Major retailers say it is a time that leads up to hunting season and it also is when the largest gun show in the state of Arkansas takes place.
“I don’t think it changes the perception of Arkansas. I think they believe that Arkansas is already a very pro-Second Amendment, pro-gun state. But, if this helps from an economic development and where it encourages another manufacturer of guns into Arkansas,” Hester said.
Representative Greg Leding opposes the bill.
“I can’t imagine that it’s the tax on a gun purchase that’s preventing anybody from being able to afford a gun. And if it is just the tax that’s keeping you from being able to afford a gun how are you going to afford keeping ammunition handy?” he said.
[revad2]
