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Bill

Bill

HB 1094

Firearms; excise tax on manufacturers.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Amy Laufer

Virginia proposes excise tax on firearms manufacturers to raise state revenue and potentially affect firearm market prices and availability.

Fiscal Impact statement From TAX (2/1/2026 11:20 am)
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Bill Summary · HB 1094

Legislative bill overview

HB 1094 proposes an excise tax on firearms manufacturers operating in or selling products to Virginia. The bill was prefiled in January 2026 and referred to the House Committee on Finance, with a fiscal impact statement generated in February 2026.

Why is this important

Excise taxes on firearms manufacturers represent a policy mechanism that could affect firearm pricing, manufacturer operations, and state revenue. This type of legislation sits at the intersection of tax policy, commerce regulation, and Second Amendment considerations, making it consequential for both the firearms industry and Virginia's budget.

Potential points of contention

  • Constitutional challenges: Opponents may argue the tax unfairly targets a specific industry or product protected under Second Amendment interpretations, potentially inviting legal challenges
  • Economic impact on manufacturers: Critics could claim the tax increases production costs, discourages manufacturers from operating in Virginia, or reduces competitiveness versus other states
  • Revenue effectiveness vs. policy intent: Ambiguity exists whether the primary goal is generating state revenue or reducing firearm availability/sales through price increases, which affects how success is measured

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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