Connecticut House Bill HB05653

Connecticut 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/18/23
• Refer: 1/18/23

Caption

An Act Establishing An Excise Tax On Ammunition To Provide Funding For Community Gun Violence And Intervention Program Grants.

Impact

If enacted, HB 05653 would amend existing statutes concerning taxation and the allocation of funds for gun violence prevention initiatives. The establishment of the excise tax is designed not only to generate revenue but also to create a financial backing for critical community programs that aim to tackle gun violence, thus directly impacting public safety and community funding. This could result in enhanced resources for municipalities to implement programs that are responsive to local community needs relating to gun violence.

Summary

House Bill 05653 establishes an excise tax on ammunition purchased by retailers, intending to allocate the revenue towards community gun violence intervention and prevention programs. The tax is proposed at two cents per round for .22 caliber ammunition or less, and five cents per round for all other types of ammunition. This initiative reflects a growing concern regarding gun violence in communities and the need for funding preventive measures and programs aimed at mitigating such violence.

Contention

The discussions surrounding HB 05653 may reflect broader tensions in the legislative context regarding gun control and the fiscal responsibilities of funding public safety initiatives. Proponents of the bill argue that the excise tax is a necessary measure to support gun violence prevention strategies, while opponents may criticize any form of taxation on ammunition as a potential infringement on Second Amendment rights. Consequently, HB 05653 has the potential to ignite debates concerning the balance between public safety and personal freedoms.