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The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –
Two bills dealing with firearm taxes and fees are scheduled to be heard in the House Finance, Ways, and Means Subcommittee on Wednesday, March 11.
HB1505, sponsored by Rep. William Lamberth (R-Portland-District 44), simply proposes suspending state sales tax on the purchase of firearms from July 3 to July 6, 2026.
While many bills dealing with taxes or other financial aspects are generally placed behind the budget due to the costs they incur or revenue the state will lose, the fiscal impact of this bill does not seem significant as the potential for uptick in firearms sales or spending by consumers in other areas with the savings will likely outweigh any potential tax revenue losses. Even if it is ultimately placed behind the budget, there is a decent chance it will be pulled back out before the session concludes.
The second bill, HB1508 would waive the $300 fee every 8 years for a lifetime enhanced handgun carry permit for retired law enforcement officers who served for less than 10 years prior to retirement, was POST-certified, or had equivalent training, on the date the officer retired, and who retired from service due to an injury received in the line of duty.
Current law waives the fee for officers injured in the line of duty who had served for 10 or more years, and this bill would simply extend that benefit to any officer who retired for injury in the line of duty regardless of number of years they had served.
Carried by Rep. Todd Warner (R-Chapel Hill-District 92), the legislation has already passed through the House Judiciary Committee but must clear the Finance, Ways, and Means Committee before it can be voted on in the full House as it does have an attached fiscal note due to the loss of revenue the state would incur.
If you support either piece of legislation, use the information below to contact members of the House Finance, Ways, and Means Subcommittee before their meeting on Wednesday:
House Finance, Ways, and Means Subcommittee – HB1505 & 1508 to be heard on March 11
HB1505 proposes a sales tax holiday on firearms purchases July 3-6, 2026
HB1508 seeks to waive the enhanced handgun carry permit fee for certain retired law enforcement officers
Rep.ryan.williams@capitol.tn.gov; rep.kip.capley@capitol.tn.gov; rep.jesse.chism@capitol.tn.gov; rep.mark.cochran@capitol.tn.gov; rep.john.crawford@capitol.tn.gov; rep.ron.gant@capitol.tn.gov; rep.john.gillespie@capitol.tn.gov; rep.gary.hicks@capitol.tn.gov; rep.tim.hicks@capitol.tn.gov; rep.antonio.parkinson@capitol.tn.gov; rep.lee.reeves@capitol.tn.gov; rep.johnny.shaw@capitol.tn.gov; rep.jason.zachary@capitol.tn.gov
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.
