AUSTIN — Today, Senator Brandon Creighton's "Second Amendment Sales Tax Holiday Act" passed in the Texas Senate. Filed as Senate Bill 228, this legislation establishes a tax-free weekend for the purchase of firearms, ammunition, and hunting supplies in the State of Texas. The tax-free weekend would take place in advance of the fall hunting season, which begins on September 1st.

"Since 2009, retailers in east and southeast Texas have been at a competitive disadvantage when it comes to their Louisiana counterparts," said Senator Creighton. "Louisiana, among other states, adopted a sales tax holiday similar to the one we've passed today in the Senate."

"Providing this sales tax break prior to the start of hunting season will be an economic driver for small businesses and will provide our hunters much deserved savings," Senator Creighton continued. "I am pleased to encourage and promote gunmanship and to improve opportunities for all Texans to enjoy their Second Amendment rights."

The "Second Amendment Sales Tax Holiday Act" is strongly endorsed and supported by the National Rifle Association and the Texas State Rifle Association. "The National Rifle Association applauds Senator Creighton and his colleagues for passing Senate Bill 228" said Tara Mica, State Liaison for the NRA Institute for Legislative Action. "This bill supports lawful gun ownership and encourages Texas sportsmen and their families to spend their money here at home."

Surrounding states, including Louisiana and Mississippi, currently have similar tax exemption measures in place toward the purchase of firearms, ammunition and certain hunting supplies.

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