Proposed Bill Would Offer Tax Breaks for Gun Purchases

By Melissa Maynarich, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Gun enthusiasts may get the chance to buy guns a few times a year, without paying taxes.

Senator John Sparks (D-Norman) is proposing legislation for what he calls a "Second Amendment Weekend."

"It gives us an opportunity to show our support of our Second Amendment, and whenever we can support our Second Amendment rights we should take the opportunity to do so," Sparks said.

Read the proposed law.

If passed, all rifles, handguns and shotguns would be tax free on a few days a year. The measure would not apply to gun accessories.

Sparks said the tax break is a good idea even in a recession.

"I don't think there is ever a bad time to defend our Second Amendment rights, and I think we should do so every chance we get," Sparks said.

H & H Gun Range expects the "Second Amendment Weekend" would be a busy one at the retail and training outlet. Miles Hall, with H & H Gun Range, said he thinks the bill would not only be good for business but also for the state.

"The idea of doing this from the hunting side particularly in August, which is just before hunting season, is great. It's the best time to do it in," Hall said.

Some lawmakers are critical of the bill, but have been reluctant to say so publicly.

The bill's author, Senator Sparks, is up for re-election next November.

If passed, it could take effect as soon as next August.

A similar proposal has already passed in other states.