Despite advancements and innovations in the development of non-lethal weaponry by law enforcement, such as Tasers, such devices are still subject to excise taxes levied on firearms. Representative David Schweikert (R-AZ) introduced a bill to remove this tax, which recently passed out of the House Ways and Means Committee. The bill ensures "lifesaving devices do not face the bureaucratic burdens currently hindering the use of less-than-lethal devices from keeping our communities safe."
For additional context, section 921 of Title 18 in the US Tax Code defines Tasers and similar non-lethal projectile weapons as "firearms" subject to an excise tax levied on manufacturers, producers, and importers.
Rep. Schweikert's Law Enforcement Innovate to De-Escalate Act would amend this portion of the code so that Tasers do not fall under the definition of "firearms" under the National Firearms Act of 1934 or later Gun Control Act of 1968.
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Additionally, the Treasury Department will compile a yearly report on the innovation and development of non-lethal projectile weapons "to ensure lifesaving devices do not face the bureaucratic burdens currently hindering the use of less-than-lethal devices from keeping our communities safe."
The intended result is encouraging innovation in this technology field by easing the tax burden. After all, police use of deadly force has been under scrutiny in recent years, yet advocacy for the use of less-than-lethal alternatives has been drowned out by calls to defund police.
"Imagine a society where law enforcement is able to effectively protect our communities without any lives being lost. Aligning the tax code to meet the needs of our law enforcement officers and communities offers Congress the opportunity to reduce the chance of the use of deadly force and the unnecessary loss of life. Our ability to keep pushing forward to a world where such technology is available and robust has inspired this moral fix in hopes to solve part of the bigger societal issue, and I promise to continue advocating for this bill until it is signed into law," said Rep. Schweikert in his press release.
