Sen. Gounardes Introduces Bill to Tax Ammunition, Fund Gun Violence Research

Senator Gounardes introduced a bill to amend the tax law that will create an excise tax on ammunition production. Assemblymember Patricia Fahy will also be introducing a “same-as” bill in the Assembly.

The bill adds a two- to five-cent excise tax on ammunition. One hundred percent of the revenue generated from this tax would go towards the newly formed New York State gun violence research fund. The fund is run in coordination with the State University of New York and the New York State Department of Health, who each year will provide a report for how funds should be used and distributed. 

New York City has seen an increase in gun violence since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Everytown for Gun Safety, on average 870 people die by guns in New York State per year and an additional 2,600 people are wounded. In the United States, firearm ammunition has been subject to less regulation than firearms themselves have been. But over the course of the pandemic, our country has seen an unprecedented rise in gun and ammunition sales. 

Similar legislation has been introduced in Washington state, in the cities of Tacoma and Seattle,

Senator Andrew Gounardes said, “As we seek to address New York’s rise in gun violence, it’s incumbent on us as legislators to identify fact-based approaches that will  save lives and bring peace to our communities. By taxing ammunition, we are fairly funding research that will help us build smart and effective policies. With Assembly sponsor Patricia Fahy, I am confident that we can pass this common sense legislation.”

“When we talk about gun violence prevention and community-based policies that help to interrupt cycles of violence, resources matter,” said Assemblymember Patricia Fahy (D—Albany). “By directing revenue generated off of the sale of ammunition in New York to gun violence research and studying its root causes, we’re putting resources where they’re most effectively used and protecting more New Yorkers from the scourge of gun violence. I’m proud to introduce this legislation alongside Senate sponsor Andrew Gounardes and look forward to its passage to continue our commitment to ending gun violence in New York State.”

“Our state has been a leader in pushing for innovative and effective gun safety measures. We’re grateful to fight alongside Senator Gounardes and Assemblymember Fahy to advance solutions that address gun violence,” said Kristen Petit, a volunteer with Moms Demand Action in New York. “Through increased revenue generated by this bill, we can invest in much-needed research that will help inform future policies designed to protect our communities from experiencing the devastation of gun violence. We will keep fighting to advance policies that will protect New Yorkers and help end this crisis.”