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Bill

HB 920

Relating to an exemption from sales and use taxes for firearms, ammunition, and other related items.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Keith Bell and 11 co-sponsors

HB 920 exempts firearms, ammunition, and related items from Texas sales and use taxes, eliminating state tax collection on these purchases.

Referred to Ways & Means
#taxation--sales(i0800) #weapons(i0887)
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Bill Summary · HB 920

Legislative bill overview

HB 920 proposes to exempt firearms, ammunition, and related items from Texas sales and use taxes. The bill would allow purchasers of these items to avoid paying the standard state sales tax rate on such transactions. This represents a significant change to Texas's current tax treatment of firearms and ammunition.

Why is this important

Sales tax exemptions reduce state revenue, which must either be offset through other revenue sources or result in reduced funding for state services like education and infrastructure. Texas currently collects approximately 6.25% in state sales tax (plus local taxes), so this exemption could represent meaningful fiscal impact depending on the volume of firearm and ammunition sales in the state. The policy decision reflects broader debates about tax policy priorities and the appropriate role of government incentives.

Potential points of contention

  • Fiscal impact: The bill's revenue cost to the state budget is unclear without fiscal analysis, raising questions about how lost tax revenue would be replaced or whether it would increase budget deficits or require cuts elsewhere
  • Equity concerns: Exempting specific product categories while maintaining taxes on other goods raises fairness questions about whose purchases receive preferential tax treatment and why firearms differ from other durable goods
  • Policy rationale: The bill lacks explicit justification for why this particular category deserves tax-exempt status compared to other products or constitutional rights-related purchases

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

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