If an amendment recently introduced in Springfield by state Sen. Toi Hutchinson (D-Chicago Heights) passes muster, Illinois dwellers could face what the NRA’s Institute for Legislative Action (ILA) considers taxation of citizens’ Second Amendment rights.
According to the ILA, Hutchinson’s motive to rescue the state’s budget through taxation infringes on the people’s right to safety. The Senate Amendment (SA) 2 pertaining to Senate Bill (SB) 9 would assess a 5 percent tax on dues, fees and other charges associated with participation in gun organizations as well as hunting clubs, shooting ranges and classes.
In addition, the proposal would mandate that affected entities pay a $75 annual fee just to register to legally charge the extra tax to their clients and customers.
ILA took particular exception to the fact that the expenses would apply to self-defense classes, which are arguably conducted for the sake of public safety.
The NRA-ILA took issue not only with the fact that costs will skyrocket for membership fees and equipment, but also that the amendment’s language is crafted to include a much wider range of items and services considered to be taxable — such as “repair, servicing, alteration, fitting, cleaning, painting, coating, towing, inspection or maintenance of tangible personal property,” according to the group’s website and online contact form.
“It is extremely important that NRA members and Second Amendment supporters contact their state senator and strongly urge them to oppose Senate Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 9,” the ILA stated on its site. “The Second Amendment rights and right to safety of Illinoisans is not something that the legislature should tax.”
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