New law proposes tax on gun sales to fund mental health
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A local lawmaker has an idea for a new tax on guns that would pay for mental health services Video by ktnv.com
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Las Vegas, NV (KTNV) -- He's taking aim and ready to fire. Democratic Majority Leader William Horne is proposing new gun laws for Nevadans this legislative session.
"As a gun owner myself I believe this is us doing our part to help in that endeavor," Horne said. "It doesn't solve the problem but it's something to help."
If Horne gets his proposed bill passed then gun sales would help fund state mental health services. For every gun purchased the buyer would pay an added $25 tax and for every bullet purchased an extra 2 cent tax would get added.
Although the language of Horne's bill hasn't been drafted yet, some gun owners are already thinking of ways around it.
"Go online and buy ammunition and not worry about whatever sales tax is coming out of Carson City," gun owner Todd Oppenborn said. He thinks the tax isn't fair and Horne's proposal links responsible gun owners to mentally ill people who commit violent crimes.
"I don't think it's fair at all," gun owner Donna Allensworth said. "Any more than I think it's fair for them to tax us on fast food just because a few people are overweight. It's just a judgment."
"You don't have to be mentally ill to commit a crime with a gun," Horne said. "But we do know we have loopholes that are allowing the mentally ill to obtain firearms."
Last year's mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary sparked a gun-control debate nationwide.
Horne thinks his proposal finds middle ground between those who want no change to gun laws and those who want stricter gun control.
Some gun owners agree with Horne and believe funding mental health services is a small price to pay for safety.
"Twenty-five bucks it's a good deal," gun-owner Tom Powell said. "I would contribute because it eliminates one more aspect of the danger of guns."
Horne hopes to have the bill drafted this week, then it's up for debate.
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