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House circles tax-credit bill for gun-storage safes after questions about a cap
Summary
Representative Bennion’s proposal for a $150 tax credit for residential security containers was circled after members raised concerns about an uncapped program; sponsors said the credit is retroactive to Jan. 1 and carries a modest fiscal note.
House Bill 222, which would create a $150 individual income tax credit for the purchase of a residential security container (classified under Underwriters Laboratories as a weapon safe), was presented and then circled for further consideration on Jan. 25.
Sponsor Representative Bennion said the credit is retroactive to Jan. 1 for the fiscal year and that the Tax Commission assigned an estimated fiscal impact of approximately $28,000 for administrative computer changes. The bill would run for 10 years before sunset and is designed to encourage safe storage of weapons.
Representative Cheryl Allen and others raised concerns about the lack of a cap, citing a prior situation in Arizona where an uncapped credit produced unexpectedly large costs. Allen urged caution and recommended the bill be circled so the sponsor could consider adding a cap; Representative Farren moved to circle the bill, noting the Arizona example and differences in scale.
Members voted to circle HB 222 so the sponsor may consider an appropriate cap; circling pauses floor action and typically signals the sponsor will return with amendments or additional information. No final House vote on the bill’s merits occurred that day.
The sponsor said the bill aims to promote safe storage rather than to impose on Second Amendment rights and that a concealed-carry permit holder would remain able to carry a weapon.
