Panel reviews pilot income tax credit for secure gun storage; members table bill to refine delivery options

Representative Hernandez presented House Bill 202, a bipartisan pilot program that would provide a one-time refundable income tax credit of up to $750 for purchases of secure gun-storage devices such as a safe or lockbox.

The sponsor described the bill’s goals as public-safety oriented: "The goal is simple. Encourage firearm owners to take proactive steps in securing their firearms, hoping to reduce accidents, theft, and unauthorized access." HB202 would cap credits at $1,000,000 per year on a first-come, first-served basis and would operate as a pilot for taxable years prior to Jan. 1, 2028, the sponsor said. The Department of Public Safety would certify eligible purchases and the bill provides that any credit exceeding a taxpayer’s liability would be refundable.

Committee discussion focused on delivery and accessibility. Multiple members supported the safety objective but questioned whether an income tax credit is the most accessible mechanism for lower-income households who cannot front the purchase cost. Representative Lundstrom and others suggested a point-of-sale rebate or retailer-enabled mechanism to avoid requiring purchasers to pay up front and wait for tax filing. The sponsor said staff and drafters are exploring point-of-sale and retailer options but that those changes would likely require a separate bill or more drafting time.

Representative Terrazas and other members supported moving the concept forward while acknowledging it is not perfect: Terrazas said the pilot would reach a modest number of households under the proposed cap and could be refined in future packages. Representative Duncan made a motion to temporarily table HB202; Representative Iago seconded. The chair announced no recorded opposition and the bill was tabled pending further drafting and consideration of delivery options.