The Texas Senate has approved a plan that would allow shoppers to buy guns, ammunition and hunting supplies without having to pay sales taxes during the last weekend in August.
The state already designates annual sales tax-free weekends for the purchase of some school supplies and energy-efficient appliances. Sen. Brandon Creighton's plan would extend the same exemption to firearm purchases.
The Conroe Republican noted that Louisiana established in 2009 a tax-free weekend for guns, ammo and hunting supplies during the first weekend in September.
He said Texas' failure to follow suit has put hunting and firearms retailers near the border with Louisiana at a disadvantage.
According to a legislative analysis, Creighton's plan would cost the state more than $11 million in lost sales tax revenue during Texas' two-year budgetary cycle.
At The Eagle Gun Range in Lewisville, the bigger business is the range, but they still sell firearms. The President, David Prince, thinks any savings is good savings.
"People need to be able to protect themselves. This gives them the opportunity for them to go out and buy a gun at a little less cost," said Prince.
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And some people are right on board.
"I take that money be able to buy myself more guns or ammunition," said Bart Pena of Fort Worth.
But Pena and his wife, are not on the same page.
"There is already enough people buying guns in Texas as it is, and tax free was to help people when they buy school clothes for their children," said Sharon Pena.
Now that the bill has cleared the Senate, it has to go through the House. Representative Chris Paddie’s staff tells NBC 5 he will sponsor it in the House.
Now its up to the House to decide if this moves forward.
"I don’t think the tax free 'yes' or 'no' is going to encourage them one way or another in the long run. I think if they want a gun they are going to buy it," said Cynthia Rite of Arlington.
