Why It Matters: Bipartisan victories, particularly those regarding firearms, seem to be an increasingly rare occurrence these days. However, Oklahoma’s recent passage of Senate Bill 50 highlights the opportunities that exist to enact meaningful legislation designed to support the safe and responsible handling and storage of firearms while protecting the rights of law-abiding sportsmen and women. By exempting gun safes and similar devices from the state’s sales tax, Oklahomans have one more reason to purchase these important pieces of equipment.
Highlights:
- Prior to adjourning for the year, the Oklahoma Legislature passed Senate Bill 50, exempting firearm safety devices including gun safes from the state’s sales tax.
- Senate Bill 50 was led in the Senate by Oklahoma Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus Member Senator Jo Anna Dossett and in the House by Sportsmen’s Caucus Co-Chair and National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses (NASC) Executive Council Member Representative Nick Archer.
- This bipartisan victory has been in the works over the past couple legislative sessions, and the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) is proud to see it become law.
In an increasingly polarized political arena, bipartisan victories, particularly when related to firearms, are a cause for tremendous celebration. Recently, the Oklahoma Legislature accomplished one of these victories by passing Senate Bill 50 (SB 50), which exempts firearm safety devices, including gun safes, from Oklahoma’s state sales tax. SB 50 was led in the Senate by Oklahoma Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus Member Senator Jo Anna Dossett (D-35) and in the House of Representatives by Oklahoma Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus Co-Chair and NASC Executive Council Member Representative Nick Archer (R-55).
This sales tax exemption makes it easier for Oklahoma’s sportsmen and women to purchase the firearm safety devices designed to protect themselves and their families as they exercise their rights as law-abiding firearm owners. In support of SB 50, Senator Jo Anna Dossett cited the results of an interim study conducted by the state that found “that Oklahoma taxpayers pay about $200 million annually as a result of gun death and injury in our state. The cost to implement this $178,000 program is a small investment that will pay big dividends.”
“SB 50 is a win for both freedom and responsibility,” said Representative Nick Archer. “By eliminating the sales tax on gun safes, we’re empowering law-abiding gun owners to secure their firearms while providing meaningful tax relief to Oklahoma’s Second Amendment Community. It’s common-sense policy that protects families, prevents theft, and reinforces our commitment to safe and responsible gun ownership.”
The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation was proud to advocate for SB 50 as it progressed through the legislative process, and we look forward to the benefits that this bill will provide for sportsmen and women in the Sooner State.
