HB 919: Firearm & Ammunition Tax
🟡 THREAT LEVEL: MODERATE
BILL SNAPSHOT
Bill Number: HB 919
Bill Patron: Del. Alfonso H. Lopez (D)
Bill Area: Second Amendment / Taxation
Who This Bill Affects: Law-abiding gun owners, small firearm retailers, veterans, women seeking self-defense
QUICK SUMMARY
HB 919 places an 11% tax on the sale of firearms and ammunition in Virginia.
If you purchase a gun or ammunition from a licensed dealer, you will pay an additional 11% on top of the regular sales tax.
The money collected from this tax would go into the Virginia Gun Violence Intervention and Prevention Fund, which supports programs aimed at reducing gun violence.
This tax applies to retailers, manufacturers, and vendors selling firearms and ammunition in the Commonwealth.
RALLY ANALYSIS
HB 919 does not target criminals. It targets consumers. Criminals do not purchase firearms legally at retail counters. Law-abiding citizens do.
This bill creates a financial barrier to exercising a constitutional right. It singles out one specific right — the Second Amendment — and attaches a penalty to it.
We do not impose special taxes on printing presses, church donations, or casting a ballot. Yet this bill imposes a targeted tax on those choosing to exercise their right to self-defense.
An 11% tax is a significant additional expense, especially for working families, single mothers, and first-time firearm owners seeking protection.
This proposal shifts the cost burden onto responsible citizens while doing little to deter criminal activity.
WHY THIS MATTERS
- It makes self-defense more expensive for law-abiding Virginians
- It disproportionately impacts low- and middle-income residents
- It places additional strain on small firearm retailers
- It sets a precedent for taxing constitutional rights
- It does not directly target illegal gun possession or violent offenders
- It expands government revenue through a politically targeted tax
RALLY VERDICT: ❌ STRONGLY OPPOSE
We strongly oppose HB 919. HB 919 is a targeted tax on responsible citizens exercising a constitutional right.
Public safety is essential — but penalizing law-abiding Virginians is not the solution. Rally Virginia stands firmly against efforts that make constitutional rights contingent on the ability to pay.
Virginia women will not accept a tax on self-defense.
RALLY RADAR — THREAT LEVEL LEGEND
⚫ CRITICAL THREAT — Immediate and severe harm; must be stopped
🔴 HIGH THREAT — Serious risk to safety, liberty, or governance
🟡 MODERATE THREAT — Concerning but limited scope
🟢 LOW THREAT — Minimal impact or symbolic
