Image Credit: Canva
The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –
With the General Assembly passing its $58 billion budget, it appears there will be no room to allow for a sales tax holiday on firearms as both the Senate and House versions were taken off notice, signifying the legislation has been sidelined for the year.
SB1776/HB1505 would simply have suspended sales tax on the purchase of firearms and ammunition from July 3 to July 6, 2026, in honor of America’s 250th birthday.
The bill had a fiscal note of approximately $350,000, but it seemed sponsors were not overly concerned as the potential for uptick in sales or spending by consumers in other areas with the savings could have outweighed any potential tax revenue losses.
However, with the legislature passing what it is calling a “conservative” budget that reflects a roughly 9% decrease from that of fiscal year 2026 as residual federal COVID-related funds expire, it appears the funding will not be available to accommodate the potential loss of revenue from sales tax on firearms, even for one weekend.
HB1505 was taken off notice in the Finance, Ways, and Means Subcommittee on April 15, and as a result SB1776 was General Subbed in the Senate on Monday, April 20.
This action by both chambers officially kills the legislation for this session.
About the Author: Olivia Lupia is a political refugee from Colorado who now calls Tennessee home. A proud follower of Christ, she views all political happenings through a Biblical lens and aims to utilize her knowledge and experience to educate and equip others. Olivia is an outspoken conservative who has run for local office, managed campaigns, and been highly involved with state & local GOPs, state legislatures, and other grassroots organizations and movements. Olivia can be reached at olivia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
